Answer questions 1 - 3 and any other two (submit youir answers through the Blackboard assignment drop box before class time on Feb. 9, 2012) Answers should be between half a page (single spacing) to two pages per question (avoid repeating things and give references where applicable).
 

1. 'The world population reached 7 billion in 2010 and increased by 85 million from 1999 too 2000. Although our numbers continue to increase, the growth rate (r) has declined slightly over the past several years, from a peak in the mid-1960s of 2.2% per year to 1.4% per year in 2000'. Conventional economic models assume that populations will continue to grow. Do you think economies need to grow? If so, can an economy grow even if the population is stable or declining? (Do not forget jobs' availability and your standard of living)
 

2. What changes have you observed in/around where you live and how have your activities affected the environment? What can you do to reduce or eliminate such impacts?
 

3. How is biodiversity important to you? Give specific examples (as many as you can give). Why can't there be more than five trophic levels and how can we use that knowledge to our advantage? Use the recent Botanical field trip as a guide in your answers.
 

4. Some people believe that the world will never run out of resources because research and technology will find replacements for natural resources. Do you agree? Why?
 

5. Describe the effect of the following on population size: birthrate, death rate, immigration, and emigration.
 

6. 'The idea of carrying capacity is not well a thought out concept' Do you agree or not? Use the readings you reported on last week to answer this question.
 

7.  "Rocks and minerals have nothing to with environmental conservation." Argue for or against that statement.