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?
