Question

Discuss two biological and two social challenges brought about by population expansion.

Answer 1

Introduction:

Population expansion means growth of population in geographical area. If this growth exceeds the capacity of particular geographical area, then it is considered as overpopulation or population explosion. This overpopulation may result in people moving from one geographical area to another in search of sufficient resources for survival. Population expansion if being in explosion manner, then there may arise many biological and social challenges to particular geographical area as well as to some extent to other areas also. Let us examine some biological and social challenges brought by population explosion.

Biological Challenges:

1. Overpopulation may affect availability of essential resources like food and water, which impact nutrition status of population. Let us consider one geographical area can afford to have maximum 1000 people with regard to food. If population in that particular area exceeds this limit, then available food may not be sufficient to nurture people and also available fresh water may not be sufficient to hydrate people. This result in malnutrition and ability of workforce will decrease due to weakness and inability to work. Also if geographical area entirely covered with population, then where is place for other essentials like food crops, water resources, cattle, etc. The food chain will be disturbed and there may be competition to have good food and hydration, which again result in emaciation of majority people.

2. Population overgrowth also affects the health and hygiene of the particular geographical area, resulting in lack of immunity and physical fitness in people in that region. Example: Overpopulation may end up hindering effective sewage system as there is less space for residence of people and thus result in unhygienic lifestyle. Here, people may face many health issues related to unhealthy waste management, lack of medicine production, etc. This will affect biological quality of life of people.

Social Challenges:

1. Population explosion will pose a danger to society with regard to employment and income. Many people end up being unemployed due to high competition in the locality for limited number of employment opportunity. Unemployment obviously results in lack of income. This decrease in purchasing power due to lack of income may result disequilibrium among members of society and divide them with regard to ability to spend. This disequilibrium with regard to income and spending power end up in social unrest and agitation. Example: Many people competing for limited number of jobs in a company (say 1000 application for 2 posts). If only 2 people successful in getting the job, then their income will be steady so is their spending, this will create social unrest.

2. Population overgrowth also affects people's ability to get quality education. The population explosion may result many number of aspirants to get higher education, where many universities or colleges can offer limited seats. This will result in competition in getting education also and end up in social unrest.