Module 9S2 Changes in Populations

Lesson 4.9.4S2

4.9.4S2 page 3

Lesson 4: Lab

Population Growth Rates in Different Countries

This is a data analysis lab that allows you to compare human population growth rates in different countries using demographic data gathered in 2001.

Problem (Purpose)
How do population growth rates differ by country?

Materials

You will require a calculator.

Procedure

Refer to Thought Lab 20.5 on page 734 of the textbook.

Analyze the demographic information given in the data table according to the instructions in the analysis, conclusions, and real world applications sections.

	Canada	Ethiopia	Finland	Germany	Greece	India	Nigeria
Approx. Population size (N)	32,200,000	77,400,000	5,200,000	82,500,000	11.1	1,103,600,000	131,500,000
#births (approx.)	322,000	3,173,400	57,200	742,500	99,900	27,590,000	5,654,500
#deaths (approx.)	225,400	1,238,400	46,800	825,000	111,000	8,828,800	2,498,500
Annual population growth rate (gr)
Annual per capita growth rate (cgr)

Analysis

Calculate annual population growth rate for each country and place on the chart.

      gr = delta N = b-d
                 y        y
                                                                                          (2.5)
Calculate per capita growth rate for each country and place on the chart.

      Cgr = delta N
                    N
                                                                                    (2.5)
Why is the cgr negative for some populations? Describe the growth curve for a population with negative annual cgr. (2)
If the populations of the above country were graphed over 10 years, which of the above countries would you expect to show the steepest growth curve? Why? (2)
Is the initial size of the population more important than the per capita growth rate in determining the steepness of the growth curve? Why or why not? (2)
Does there appear to be a correlation between how developed the country is and its cgr? Justify your answer. (1)
Compare gr and cgr for the different countries. Which gives a better indicator of how fast the population will increase? Why?

Conclusions

What conclusions can you make from this exercise? Extract at least 3 sepearate conclusions from the data. Refer back to the problem statement. (3)

Real World Applications

Although the rate of population growth for the entire human species is nearly exponential, you’ve seen in the analysis above that the human species is made up of many sub-populations that have strikingly different growth patterns.

You are aware of all the factors that cause population numbers to change.

Apply your conclusions to the problem of human population control by devising a strategy that could be implemented to control human population growth rates. The strategy should have a specific goal, a target group, and state specific components of the plan or steps of implementation. Consider whether you would apply the same strategy to all human populations. You may assume that the political and economic limitations are the same as those that exist now. (5)