Week 4: Human population growth

Forecast trends in human population growth Understand the influence of populations on ecosystem Understand how populations will/can respond to changes in the environment Understand unequal and inequitable distribution of human health conditions produced or mediated via environmental conditions

Population size of the species that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water and other necessities available in the environment

Disease Environmental disasters Pushes back on population trying to reach biotic potential

Ability of a population of living species to increase under ideal environmental conditions (sufficient food supply, no predators, lack of disease)

Self-regulating aspects of a population that control its ability to achieve biotic potential, including behavioral, physiological and social influences (toxins, stress, decrease in male sperm count)

287 chemicals detected in umbilical cord blood 217 are toxic to brain and nervous system 208 defects or abnormal development in animal tests

Homeostatic control External challenge to homeostasis

Homeostatic control Lack of control, stress, lack of outlets for frustration

Glucocorticoids Continued stress causes continuous secretion and inability to respond effectively to stressful situations

GHG emissions Available arable land Services & infrastructure Housing affordability Mental health and aging