Biology Ii

Shinneka Baker
WK5A3
December 11, 2010

Describe what we can learn about a population’s potential for growth based on its age pyramid. Choose a specific example to analyze, and present your understanding of its potential.
An age pyramid is also known as a population pyramid. From such pyramid you have the ability to obtain information on the various age groups in human population based on the country or region of the world which is the result of the pyramids shape if the region is healthy. (http://media.pearsoncmg.com)The pyramid is an effective way to gain knowledge of the age and sex of a population because of the image the pyramid presents. (http://media.pearsoncmg.com)
The pyramid will also provide information on how many people live in a certain area and their age group as well as their gender. The pyramid will also show if a population is increasing or decreasing depending on the shape of the pyramid. (http://media.pearsoncmg.com)
The population pyramid can also be utilized to obtain the number of economic dependents that are being supported in a particular population. (http://www.lessonplanet.com)Individuals that are considered economic dependents are children under the age of 15 years of age who are obtaining a full time education and are unable to work at the time and individuals who are over the age of 65 years of age who have the opportunity to retire. (http://www.lessonplanet.com)The pyramids are also utilized to observe the natural increase, birth and death rate in a population. (http://www.lessonplanet.com)
Reference:
Peterson, Lynsey. (2010) Understanding Human Population Growth.
(December 11, 2010) from, http://www.lessonplanet.com/article/biology/understanding-human-population-growth
Cummings, Benjamin. (2010) Human Population. (December 11, 2010) from, http://media.pearsoncmg.com/bc/bc_0media_bio/graphit/media_files/age.html