Demographic TrendsChapter 36

The study of human population statistics

Affected by birth, death, immigration & emigration rates

IR & ER often similar Population size depends

on BR – DR + IR- ER A demographic

transition model shows population growth with cultural development

Demography

Represents population structure with respect to age and sex

Used for predicting future population structure

Also indicates future needs of the populace

Developing countries – lots of young dependants

Developed countries – more elderly dependants

Some gender imbalances can be seen

Population pyramids

Human population growing exponentially

Eventually global carrying capacity could be reached

Planet will be unable to support any further population increase

Limiting factors could regulate population

(increased death rate) Deer population used as

a model

Population Control

Birth control is most realistic option for population control

But differences in: - religious beliefs - medical care standards - economic situation - cultural/social backgrounds - education - status of women - morality of birth control

imposition all affect the effectiveness of

birth control Family planning needs social

& economic support Population control biggest

problem facing mankind

Birth Control / Morals