Overpopulation
Definition
Overpopulation occurs when a species' population exceeds the carrying capacity of its ecological niche. It essentially means there are too many individuals for the available resources.
Analogy
Imagine being at a concert that has sold too many tickets. There aren't enough seats for everyone; it's hot because there are so many bodies packed together; there isn't enough food at the concession stands for everyone. That's what overpopulation is like - too many individuals and not enough resources to go around comfortably.
Related terms
Population Density: A measurement of population per unit area or unit volume.
Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support without degrading it.
Demographic Transition Model: A model that describes population change over time, considering birth rates, death rates and stages of industrial development.
"Overpopulation" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (20+)
What qualifies as overpopulation?
Which kind of map would be the most useful for developing strategies to address overpopulation in urban pockets?
Which one of the following is not an effect of overpopulation?
What innovative solution could effectively address the issue of overpopulation in urban areas?
How does overpopulation primarily impact environmental sustainability?
Which of the following scenarios primarily exhibits the consequence of overpopulation in megacities?
Which perspective is most likely to attribute overpopulation in some areas primarily to individual behavior and consumer choices?
Which innovative strategy would be most effective in addressing the problem of overpopulation in megacities?
In which city is overpopulation a major problem contributing to issues like pollution and inadequate housing?
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of overpopulation?
What demographic transition stage could potentially alleviate the issue of overpopulation in highly urbanized areas?
Which school of thought believes that socioeconomic inequality, not overpopulation, causes environmental degradation?
What would be an effective way to reduce overpopulation in megacities?
How does overpopulation affect an area environmentally according to the study guide?
What innovative strategy can address overpopulation in major urban areas without infringing on individual rights or causing significant environmental damage?
Which country is known for its One Child Policy as a response to overpopulation?
What perspective argues that the distribution of resources, rather than overpopulation, is the primary issue in population geography?
How might geographers best address the issue of overpopulation in urban spaces?
Which country is often cited as experiencing issues due to overpopulation?
What is the impact of overpopulation on natural resources?
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