Ecology and Evolution Paper

Ecology and Evolution

Your Name

BIO-315 Ecology and Evolution

Group: BSBX0WUVM0

Profs Name

March 2, 2011

The purpose of this document is to discuss the effects of human population on the planet earth. The document will address the demands population growths have on the environment, and the role of community interactions towards the role of regulating growth. The document will also discuss the ways in which human activities affect the earth's ecosystem and biosphere. Further analysis will address the effects of global warming on the planet's biodiversity. Lastly, a prediction will be provided, regarding the future of the human species.

Population growths in any environment will definitely demand more of the environment (Lammers, Green, Salisbury, and Vörösmarty, 2000). An important part of Earth’s environment is its global water supply. The earth’s drinkable fresh water supply is limited, in comparison to saltwater. About 70% of the earth’s surface is covered in water. However, only 1% of the water is considered fresh drinkable water. 2% percent of earth’s water is frozen, and the remaining 97% is saltwater (How Much of the Earth is Covered in Water?, 2010 ). A scholarly article written in July of 2000 titled: Vulnerability from Climate Change and Population Growth, discusses the effects of population on the earths water supply (Lammers, Green, Salisbury, and Vörösmarty, 2000). The article analyzes the differences in water use of heavily populated areas between the years of 1985 and 2025 (simulated). While the study is on a large scale, it definitely produces results that clearly suggest an increase in demand for fresh water where populations have grown, a definite decrease in supply.

Other environmental demands brought upon by population growths include increases in demands for earth’s other natural resources, such as fossil fuels. Growing demands for energy lead to depletions in natural resources and increased pollution. The earth currently houses...