Biology
Chapter 36: 9-11
Homework
Biology Homework Chapter 36: Population Structure
Homework
- Reading Preparation
- WebLecture
- Study Activity
- Preparation work for chat
- Online Quiz
- Lab Instructions
Reading Preparation
Textbook Assignment: Chapter 36: , sections 9-11
Study Points
- 36.9: Predicting future scenarios from population studies is increasingly difficult, because human populations (like other species) adapt to changing conditions, and in addition, frequently create new factors in the shape of new technologies. Human populations must be compared not only by looking at the total number in a given area, but also by looking at the age and gender distributions in the population.
- 36.10: Age structures show whether a population will be stable, increasing, or decrease, and have social implications as well. Countries with high numbers of children compared to adults are frequently unstable and impoverished, since the few adults must work to provide for the many non-productive children.
- 36.11: Unlike most other species, different human populations change their own environments and use the available energy at different rates. In poorer countries, individuals have low incomes and cannot afford to consume available goods at a high rate.
Web Lecture
Read the following weblecture before chat: Studying Populations
Take notes on any questions you have, and be prepared to discuss the lecture in chat.
Study Activity
Perform the study activity below:
Use the information at the US Census website Population Clock to explore how population has changed for different states in the US and countries of the world.
- On the US page, back the population clock up to January 1, 2011.
- What was the US total population? How does this compare with the current US population?
- What was the population of the most populous state? What is it now?
- Which state had the highest density?
- Use the slider under the population pyramide to set the date to 2010 or earliest possible date, then slide it forward to the current or latest possible date. How does the population change? Which segments are growing? Which are diminishing?
- On the World page, identify the most populous countries. How is their population changing over time?
- What are the implications of the changes you identified for the economies of the world?
Chat Preparation Activities
- Essay question: The Moodle forum for the session will assign a specific study question for you to prepare for chat. You need to read this question and post your answer before chat starts for this session.
- Mastery Exercise: The Moodle Mastery exercise for the chapter will contain sections related to our chat topic. Try to complete these before the chat starts, so that you can ask questions.
Chapter Quiz
- Required: Complete the Mastery Exercise with a score of 85% or better.
- Optional: Test yourself with the textbook multiple choice questions and note any that you miss that still don't make sense. Bring questions to chat!
- Go to the Moodle and take the quiz for this chapter.
Lab Work
Read through the lab for this week; bring questions to chat on any aspect of the lab, whether you intend not perform it or not. If you decide to perform the lab, be sure to submit your report by the posted due date.
- Lab Instructions: Population Density or Energy Flow
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