Sci256 R5 Environmental Science And Human Populations Worksheet

University of Phoenix Material

Environmental Science and Human Population Worksheet

Using the textbooks, the University Library, or other resources, answer each of the following questions in 100 to 200 words.

1. What would you include in a brief summary on the history of the modern environmental movement, from the 1960s to the present?

October 2, 1968
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Trails System Act
January 1, 1970
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
April 22, 1970
The first national Earth Day
February 17, 1981
President Reagan issues Executive Order; Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
20th anniversary of Earth Day

2. Explain the primary concern over exponential population growth. What promotes exponential population growth? What constrains exponential population growth?

Population concern is about the balance between human needs and the resources available to meet those needs, now, and the future. Population has a constant birth rate through time and is never limited by food or disease, it has, exponential growth the birth rate alone controls how the population grows.

3. What is carrying capacity? Compare predictions for human population growth in developed countries versus developing countries. What will occur if carrying capacity is exceeded?

The carrying capacity of a given ecosystem is the total number of organisms in a given species for which there are sufficient resources, so that they survive and reproduce. Developing countries have poor access to birth control, often practice religions which prohibit birth control and value large families, and often have a lot of farmers, who benefit from having lots of children to help them work the land and take care of them in their old age. If carrying capacity exceeded warfare might occur.

4. How do individual choices affect natural ecosystem? Provide examples from your personal or community experience.
Nearly every activity a person does affects the ecosystem, either positively or negatively.
I live in the city, there are a lot of people, trash, buses, cars and transportation.