Earth Science
Human Impact on the Earth Environment
Agriculture and Human Population Growth
Study Tip
Some scientists think that the Earth can only contain 1 billion people. How do you think we are able to house 7 billion people on Earth today?
Hunters and Gatherers
Without agriculture, the population of the Earth would be limited to 10 million people.
Hunter gatherers were dependent on foraging and hunting around an area for resources, often having to migrate to survive.
Study Tip
Some scientists think that the Earth can only contain 1 billion people. How do you think we are able to house 7 billion people on Earth today?
Farming
About 10,000 years ago, humans developed the ability to farm, increasing the yield of food and allowing people to have food available year round.
Agriculture allowed people to settle down in one area, instead of having to migrate about in order to survive.
After settling down, people were able to produce more food and specialize in other trades.
The Industrial Revolution
During the 1700s, humans started using fossil fuels to power industries.
Products were first mass produced during this era, and the invention of machines aided food production.
The Green Revolution
The
Green Revolution
helped increase the amount of agricultural yield, making it possible for 1 farmer to feed up to 130 people.
Improved crops were produced through selective breeding and genetic engineering.
Fertilizers and pesticides were introduced into farming.
Machines took care of tasks such as plowing, tilling, fertilizing, picking, and transporting.
The development of agricultural machinery makes it possible for farmers to feed many people.
The Future
With more agriculture, people continue to use limited resources such as water.
Overpopulation
is becoming a concern as we exhaust our resources.
Concept Check
What was made possible through agriculture?
How were populations limited by hunter gatherers?
What are the effects of the Green Revolution?