If you return to figure 16.10, you will note that it has very little in common with the population growth curve shown in figure 16.5. What factors have allowed the human population to grow so rapidly? What natural limiting factors will eventually bring this population under control?

What is the ultimate carrying capacity of the world? What alternatives to the natural processes of population limitation could bring human population under control?

Consider the following in your answer: reproduction, death, diseases, food supply, energy, farming practices, food distribution, cultural biases, and anything else you consider relevant.

Is the current world human population growth curve in the lag, exponential growth, or stable equilibrium stage? How has each of the following affected the death rate: medical advances, agricultural advances, antibiotics, sanitation, etc.? How is the consumption of fossil fuels involved in farming practices, fertilizer production, and food distribution? How many children is it possible for a woman to produce in her lifetime? What is the total fertility rate that will lead to a stable equilibrium stage for the human population? Is there a maximum human population that the Earth can sustain? What factors normally limit population of animals other than humans? What resources do humans have at their disposal that could reduce births? Why do people in much of the world continue to have more children than they can support?