Overpopulation

Overpopulation

Overpopulation (/ˌoʊvərˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən/) is a condition where an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat. The term often refers to the relationship between the human population and its environment, the Earth.

Etymology

The term "overpopulation" is derived from the prefix "over-", meaning "too much", and "population", which refers to the inhabitants of a particular place. The term was first used in the English language in the 19th century.

Definition

Overpopulation occurs when a population of a species exceeds the carrying capacity of its ecological niche. In the context of human societies, overpopulation is often defined as a situation where the population exceeds the available resources, leading to a decline in the quality of life.

Causes

The primary cause of overpopulation is an increase in the number of people that the environment cannot sustain. This can be due to high birth rates, low mortality rates, an increase in immigration, or depletion of resources.

Effects

Overpopulation can have a number of negative effects, including environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social and economic problems. It can also lead to increased rates of disease and other health problems.

Related Terms

• Carrying capacity
• Population density
• Birth rate
• Mortality rate
• Immigration
• Resource depletion
• Environmental degradation

See Also

• Demography
• Population growth
• Sustainability
• Ecology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Overpopulation
• Wikipedia's article - Overpopulation

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