1. Population Two major factors in demographics
Crude birth rate – number of births per 1,000 people
Crude death rate – number of deaths per 1,000 people

2. Population Large populations cannot exist in five distinct areas
Too hot
Too cold
Too hilly/mountainous
Too wet
Too dry

3. Population
Ecumene – term for habitable land – an area where humans can live
Adequate water sources, relatively flat terrain, and available human food sources

4. Population
Carrying capacity – the ability of the land to sustain a certain number of people
The more people inhabit an area, the more likely they will reach the carrying capacity of the environment
Once capacity is reached problems of overpopulation become apparent – people begin to starve and many deaths occur
Technological innovations that can increase food productivity

5. Population Environmental degradation – harming of the environment
The more humans in a specific area, the greater the strain on the resources
Water may become polluted – watering restrictions are common
Food supplies are diminished – usually more of an issue of food distribution not food production
Loss of biodiversity – losing habitats for plants and animals
Air pollution

6. Population
Underpopulated – often sparsely populated and dominated by agriculture
Overpopulation – the lack of necessary resources to meet the needs of the population of a defined area.
Food, water and shelter