Introduction

DemographyLab will help you learn about the current demographics for human populations of seven countries. You can use this lab to investigate how population size, population structure, mortality rate, and fertility rate influence the size and growth of human populations over time. For simplicity, the effects of immigration and emigration are not included in DemographyLab. However, because the demographic data presented in this lab have been determined from actual current demographic statistics for each country, the population changes you will examine may simulate future demographic realities for these seven countries.

This lab is intended for use with specific questions or assignments. Your instructor may have provided separate assignments for you; if not, you should go to the Assignments provided here.

Objectives

The purpose of this laboratory is to:

• Demonstrate fundamental primary demographic factors that influence human population size and growth.
• Simulate the effects of demographic factors on human population growth.
• Use demographic models to predict future changes in human population growth.

Before You Begin: Prerequisites

Before beginning DemographyLab you should be familiar with the following concepts:

• The four major levels of study in ecology based on the complexity of interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Important determinants of organism distribution within the biosphere.
• The definition of demography and examples of important factors that affect human population size and growth.