Issue 18/08/2011

Revision Date 10/06/2015

Form No. ECT/ACA/F05.02

Assignment #1

Date 00/08/2016

Time:

Total Mark:

10
Students Name
Students ID
Course Name

Man and Environment

Course Code

GEN 104

Semester

Summer (2) 2016

Instructors Name

Mrs. Mayha Mohammed Ali

Scope and Focus:

Human Populations

Contributing to the following CLOs:

CLO # 4

Relate population growth and the distribution of human populations to

effects on the environment.

Questions

Total

Point

10

Student Mark

Note: This Assignment accounts for 10% of the students final grade.

Before you answer this assignment, please read the following important instructions:

Assignments should be handed over to the instructor on the due date. Zero mark will
follow late submission of an assignment unless the student has an acceptable reason
approved by the instructor.

Due Date: 23/08/2016

Answer all questions:

Question 1: (4 Marks)
Does the relationship between population and the environment vary by region? Discuss
this.
Question 2: (6 Marks)
Many people worry that population growth will eventually cause an environmental
catastrophe. However, the problem is bigger and more complex than just counting
bodies.
1. Explain the causes of overpopulation and its effects. (4 Marks)
2. Population and the Environment: The Global Challenge. By the help of the statement,
Explain the solutions to overpopulation. (2Marks)

SOLUTION Q1:

In order to study the relationship between population and the environment there is a
separate field of study called population environmental science. Surrounded by this field
is population dynamics, which is the study of long and short term changes in the size
and age of a population. This is done by correlating the birth rates, death rates,
immigration, and emigration and how these factors affect a population. Population
dynamics is based on three fundamental characteristics, density, dispersion, and
demographics.
Density is the number of persons per unit are or volume. Different patterns affect the
density of a population. Additions to a population occur when there are births and
individuals immigrate into boundaries. Subtractions can also occur within a population
through deaths and individuals emigrating out. The population size and density can be
determined by simply counting the number of individuals that are present within the
boundaries but conducting studies this way would be impractical. In order to study
density in a practical way scientist a method called mark-recapture method. This method
is used for sampling a population density with mostly mobile individuals by capturing,
marking, then releasing the individuals. By collecting data through this method the
scientists can have an estimated population number. The calculations are done by
multiplying the first and second samples together then dividing them by the number of
marked individuals in the recaptured sample. The only time this method can be used is
when the population is fairly static, meaning the migration and mortality rates are
known. Another method that is also used is called the Lincoln-Petersen method which is
another sampling technique but the population that is studied is assumed to be a closed
population, meaning no immigration or emigration occurs. The method combines two
visits to a population which are close enough in time where no deaths or births occur.
Dispersion is the prototype of spacing in the middle of individuals within the boundaries
of the population. Variations among local density are crucial for ecologist because they
allow a closer view to the environmental and social interactions that occur within a
population. There are three different patterns to dispersion; clumped, uniform, and
random. Clumped dispersion, the most common, is when individuals accumulated
themselves in particular areas; these patches may be associated with mating behaviors.
Uniform dispersion occurs when there is a direct interaction between majorities of
individuals in a population; this form is a result of aggressive social interactions. The
last form is random dispersion which is the position of individuals independent of other
individuals.
Demography is the study of vital statistics of a population and how they change over
time. These numbers are calculated through birth and death rates within a population.
The data for these changes is represented using three different graphs; life, survivorship,
and reproductive. The life tables show the show the populations survival patterns.
Survivorship tables are used to show the number of individuals still alive a population at
specific ages. Reproductive rates are used to mainly show the distinction in numerical
values between males and females.
3

In order to show these different factors of a population studies must be conducted. One
important study was conducted by marine biologist Andrew Gormley and his team. The
study was conducting using the mark recapture method, which was discussed
previously. Gormley and his team analyzed Hectors dolphins, the worlds smallest
dolphins found only in New Zealand, are endangered species due their inhabited coastal
waters highly susceptible to human disturbance. According to Gormley and his team these
dolphins for a total of nine seasons to find a different stay to help eliminate their chances towards
extinction patterns.
"We analyzed the nine seasons of image data determined using the installation model MARK computer
program approach, and then use the MARK of the likelihood of capture to calculate the abundance of
distinct individuals estimates. We extrapolate these estimates to include individuals unattended using
five seasons of data on the proportion of individuals who can identified in this category of the
population, were obtained from "random shooting." this approach suggests the capture-recapture
population screening in 1996 of about 1100. This is very similar to estimates in 1997 the cutting line of
about 900, particularly given that the two methods do not necessarily measure the same thing. An
important advantage of this capture approach to re-examine samples originates from the versatility of
an integral part of the data photo ID. If appropriate sample design, in recognition of the abundance of
non-biased can be reached spin-off from work to it in the direction of other questions. However, in our
view, the cutting line estimates are easier to interpret for the sampling design is clear, "(Gormley, 204).

Within the one year time difference from 1996 to 1997 the population decreased by
nearly 200 members indicating how rapidly the population was being affected due to
human disturbances. The capture-recapture method allows scientist to get an idea as to
how specific populations are affected by various factors. In this study the decline in the
Hector dolphins was due nylon monofilament nets replacing natural fibers during the
1970s. The natural fiber nets if lost in the water would eventually rot where as the nylon
stay preserved in water for considerably longer time periods which poses the chances of
the dolphins as well as other sea animals to become entangled in the nets. By studying
the three fundamental characteristics of density, dispersion and demographics different
number can be calculated to conclude the rate at which the population is becoming
extinct and find ways to possibly slower the rate of extinction. "... The arrest of re-samples
analyzed to estimate the abundance and survival indicate that the banks of the peninsula marine
mammals are protected is not large enough to be an effective screening, stretching from the north and
the south and sea borders would protect the bulk of the local population, and there is a need residents
for recovery to non-threatened "(Gormley 0.214). This was the final sentence, which Gormley in his
research, stressing how important it is to study the pattern of these dolphins as possible to help them to
become extinct. This kind of study can be used to help save any herds.

SOLUTION Q2:
4

1- Causes of Overpopulation and Overpopulation effects

There are various causes of overpopulation in the world. The main reason for
overpopulation is an increase in birth rate. Although birth rates are falling worldwide,
they are still high in many under develop countries. This is because of lack of access to
family planning and reproductive health services. According to Nierenberg &
MacDonald, over 350 million women still lack access to a full range of contraceptive
methods (as cited in Harf & Lombardi, 2010). Advances in technology and medicine
have also contributed to overpopulation by increasing the reproductive rate in humans,
and reducing death rates. Even though many people across the globe are having fewer
children but the population continues to grow, due to lower infant mortality rate.
Another contributing factor to overpopulation is immigration and migration. When
people from various countries move to a particular part of the world and settle there,
that area will suffer the adverse effect of overpopulation; According to Meyers, people
everywhere are leaving the countryside and moving to the cities. As a result of this
migration, from 1970-2000, Nigerias urban population surged from 14 to 44 percent
and South Korea climbed from 28 to 84 percent (as cited in Harf & Lombardi, 2010).
United Nations estimated that Lagos, Nigeria will grow from 6.5 million people in 1995
to 16 million by 2015.
It is no secret that the ever-increasing populations continue to exceed the freshwater
available to them. In fact, the scarcity of unpolluted water sources can be found all over
the world. People, livestock, animals and crops are dying from lack of a clean
freshwater source. In order to reduce the need for freshwater there must be a decrease
in the human population.
The lack of education is another contributing factor to overpopulation. Illiterates and
those who are not well educated, fail to see the harmful effect of overpopulation. As a
result, they do not follow family planning measures.
Overpopulation effects
Overpopulation has its effect on the countrys economy as well, because the affected
country cannot feed her inhabitants therefore, their exportation will be affected. In
attempt to feed the people, the affected country may have to rely on foreign debt. This
can contribute to a low gross domestic product (GDP) per capita which is the effect
overpopulation has on the economy. Too many people in a concentrated area will also
mean an increase in unemployment rate, because there would not be enough jobs to
support the population. Lack of jobs for the society means not having money for food,
shelter and other basic necessities. This could lead to increase in crimes, because the
people will need to steal things in order to survive as well. Consequently,
overpopulation brings poverty, hunger, stress crowding and frustrations.

Overpopulation of humans has its effect on politics as well. Each individual's political
power is reduced with increased population. Governing overpopulated countries can be
difficult because of its bad economy. Overpopulated countries are often plagued with
civil wars, people fighting over land and resources that are left. Secretary of State
Warren Christopher stated that overpopulation strains resources, stunts economic
growth and generates diseases. It spawns huge refugee flows and ultimately threatens
our stability (as cited in Harf & Lombardi, 2010).
2. Solutions to Overpopulation
To resolve the problem of overpopulation, education is important. The government
needs to upsurge public sympathetic of how quick population growth limits chances for
meeting basic needs. Men and women need to be taught about the importance of family
planning and the use of contraceptives. Empowering women in developing countries
economically, socially, and legally is vital in controlling overpopulation, so that they can
have equal say with their husbands in reproductive decisions. According to Meyer,
increasing female education and enrollment in schools have tended to decrease fertility.
Free and equal access to health care, family planning and education are important
components in curbing overpopulation of humans. Some of the solutions to
overpopulation can be controversial, and can also lead to moral issues. Abortion for
example, is seen by some people as an option that can be used to get rid of an unwanted
pregnancy, while others see it as an act of sin against God. The Catholic Church opposes
controlled population; they believe God should plan families. It is obvious that abortion
is not the answer to the problem. About half of the abortions that occurred in the United
States in the late 1980s were because of contraceptive failure, the other half is due to the
lack of birth control (Ehrlichs, 1990, p. 199).
Yet another solution to human overpopulation is immigration control. Cutting
immigration levels to control population growth is also controversial. Over the past 45
years, (Kolankiewicz) stated, U.S. immigration levels quadrupled at the same time
global fertility has declined by 40 percent. Not everyone share Kolankiewiczs view;
most politicians are not clear about their stand on immigration. In order to control
overpopulation, migration must be skillful.
It is showed that a growing population affects the environment in many ways and
ultimately affects everyone. As a result of limited resources on this planet, everyone
must take steps to ease the population problem. As a nation, we need to spread the word,
that overpopulation has its consequences. Education mixed with economic pressure can
put an end to the overpopulation problem. Mankind must preserve our energy, forest,
water and help educate others about contraceptive use.