Download *There is no species that dwindles in the midst of abundance, no

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A Reading Guide for “Human Carrying Capacity is Determined by Food Availability”
Author: Russell Hopfenberg
1. Why is the use of mathematical models complicated in analyzing human carrying capacity?
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
2. If there were no limiting factors populations would grow _____________________________.
3. If there are limiting factors a population will ____________________________ until an
____________________ is reached.
4. The shape of the curve on the graph is called _____________________________ or S-curve.
5. Typically, in the laboratory and field studies used to test population growth models the carrying
capacity is held constant. However, a _________________ carrying capacity is more reflective
of the human condition.
6. Changes in ________________, ___________________, __________________ and other factors
are variables that make it difficult to predict or define human carrying capacity.
7. Repeated finding show that the level of ___________________ __________________, along
with other density __________________ limiting factors, defines carrying capacity for the
population of any species.
8. All species will increase their number until approaching the _________________
__________________ limit.
9. In the widely used logistic equation for population growth:
10. P= ___________________ t = _______________________
K = _____________________
r>0 , is expressed as a percentage and represents ____________________________________
11. It is clear that issues of starvation and malnutrition are not a function of worldwide food
production but a function of _________________________ complexities.
12. In the 1970’s the FAO mapped the productive capabilities of soil world over, including estimates
of what kinds of crops that might be grown in the various soil types. What was the implication
of their research?
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
13. Populations that continue to increase in size present dangers to the species. “These dangers
include diseases that may ultimately control population growth by means of an increased death
rate.”
Is this quote discussing a density independent or density dependent limiting factor? (Circle one)
14. Based on the title of this article, what variable determines human carrying capacity?
______________________________________________
15. List two words from the article whose definitions are unknown to you.
1. __________________________ and 2. _______________________________
“There is no species that dwindles in the midst of abundance, no species that thrives on nothing.” Quinn