Question

In all successful species—including humans prior to the start of the anthropocene—birth rate and death rate have always been relatively high, because evolution by natural selection always maximizes gene transmission, usually associated with maximizing fecundity, thus keeping populations at 'carrying capacity' (defined by the resource-supplying power available from natural ecosystem services), where deaths balance births. Describe how and why this situation for humans has changed since the start of the anthropocene, and also discuss the prospects that we considered in BIOL350 regarded where birth rates and death rates may be headed in the future.

A) Anthropocene has no impact on birth rates and death rates.
B) High birth and death rates continue in the anthropocene due to natural selection.
C) Anthropocene has led to a decrease in birth rates and death rates.
D) Birth and death rates in the anthropocene are unpredictable and unrelated to natural selection.

Answer 1

The birth and death rates for humans have changed in the Anthropocene due to increased carrying capacity and advancements in technology. The future of birth and death rates is uncertain, but factors such as economic security and education can influence them.

Step-by-step explanation:

The birth and death rates for humans have changed since the start of the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene is characterized by significant human influence on the environment, and this has led to changes in birth and death rates. The invention of agriculture and advancements in technology have increased the carrying capacity of the environment, allowing more people to survive and thrive. As a result, birth rates have increased while death rates have decreased.

In the future, it is difficult to predict exactly where birth rates and death rates may be headed in the Anthropocene. However, there are ongoing concerns about the ability of Earth's environment to sustain the growing human population. Factors such as economic security, access to resources, and education can influence birth rates. There has been a demographic shift in developed nations where birth rates have declined due to increased economic security and education. Additionally, the impact of environmental changes, such as climate change, on birth and death rates remains uncertain.