Lesson 2.3: Populations
Lesson 2.3: Populations
Did you know that ancient Rome reached a population of one million people? However, at that time this population was too large to sustain as a city. The supply of water, food, and other resources could not be maintained for such a high population. Rome’s population diminished to just 20 000 people before again reaching its modern size.
Population pressures are now on a global scale. As the human population grows worldwide, people will face even greater challenges meeting the demand for resources than the ancient Romans did. Do you think the human population can continue to grow without a Roman-like decline?
In this lesson you will describe key factors that influence populations. You will study human population growth using exponential growth models and other models. And you will also discuss the potential ecological impact of a growing human population.
- Read page 482 of the textbook.
- Read the activity on page 483 of the textbook. Follow the directions, and answer the questions.
Remember that your graph should have a title above the grid. The two axes are to be labelled and their scale should be appropriate for the data.
A computer spreadsheet will save you time. If you use Microsoft® Excel for graphing, then, you should follow these directions.
Step 1: Enter the data to be graphed into two columns. Titles are not necessary at this point.
Step 2: Highlight both columns, and open the Chart Wizard.
Step 3: The Chart Wizard will guide you through the graphing procedure. There are four steps.
- First, you will be asked to choose the type/format of graph that best suits the data. A line graph will work well for population statistics. (After you make each choice, press the Next button to move on.)
- Second, you will be asked how you would like the data displayed.
- In the third step, you will be asked to give the graph a title and label the x and y axes.
- Last, you will be asked where you want to save and display the chart you have created. Click the Finish button to complete the procedure.
The graph can be printed separately, with the original data, or it can be copied and pasted into any Microsoft® Word document.
- Read page 483 to 486 of the textbook, beginning with “Exponential Growth”. Answer the questions 7 - 13, 17 - 22. Check your answers below.
Science 20 Textbook. Alberta Education
- Read “2.3 Summary” on page 487 of the textbook. Then, complete “2.3 Questions” 1 - 3, 5.
Science 20 Textbook. Alberta Education