Human Population
How is population density calculated?
Total population divided by land area
Define "biome" and "ecosystem."
large ecological area with distinct climate/vegetation; community of organisms interacting with physical environment
Define food security.
When all people have reliable access to sufficient nutritious food for active healthy life
What are the two types of acid deposition?
Wet (rain/snow) and dry (particles/gases)
Name three common greenhouse gases?
CO₂, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide
What is the dependency ratio formula?
[(Population 0-14 + Population 65+) / Population 15-64] × 100*
What are the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem?
Biotic = living (plants, animals, microbes); Abiotic = non-living (water, soil, temperature, light, etc.)
Name three causes of food insecurity.
Population growth, climate change, poverty, water shortages, land degradation
How is photochemical smog formed?
NOx + VOCs + sunlight → ozone + other oxidants
What human activities contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions?
Fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, deforestation, landfills
Compare population structures of HICs and LICs.
HICs typically have aging populations with lower birth rates; LICs have younger populations with higher birth rates
Explain primary vs. secondary succession.
Primary starts on new surfaces (bare rock); secondary occurs after disturbance in existing soil
Classify these energy sources: solar, coal, natural gas, wind.
Renewable: solar, wind; Non-renewable: coal, natural gas
Describe two impacts of ozone depletion.
Skin cancer, cataracts, reduced crop yields, ecosystem damage
Why is predicting climate change difficult?
Complex feedback loops, limited historical data, time lags, modeling uncertainties
Describe three impacts of aging populations.
Lower tax revenues, higher pension spending, pressure on healthcare, pressure to raise retirement age
Describe three benefits of conserving biodiversity.
Potential medicines, ecological services, genetic diversity, cultural value, food sources
Describe two impacts of energy insecurity.
Economic recession, poverty increase, civil disruption, job losses, higher energy prices
Explain why ozone depletion is greatest over Antarctica.
Polar vortex isolates air, extremely cold temps form PSCs that accelerate ozone destruction
Describe two impacts of climate change on human populations.
Extreme weather events, sea level rise, migration, food insecurity
Evaluate two strategies for managing population change.
1) Education/contraception access reduces growth 2) Healthcare improvements may initially increase then stabilize population*
Evaluate one international agreement for conserving biodiversity.
CITES regulates wildlife trade; IUCN Red List identifies endangered species; EDGE protects evolutionarily distinct species
Compare waste disposal methods and their environmental impacts.
Landfills (methane), incineration (air pollution), recycling (reduces extraction), ocean dumping
Compare strategies for managing different types of air pollution.
Catalytic converters (NOx), scrubbers (SO₂), bans on CFCs (ozone), VOC regulations
Evaluate one international agreement for managing climate change.
Paris Agreement (2015): voluntary national commitments to reduce emissions