Population Levels Optimum population Over population Under Population

Optimum Population Definition: –level of population that can achieve the highest standard of living with the available resources & technology. This concept is dynamic since: –resource levels will change (diminish unless new ones are found). –Technology is likely to increase: may make resources last longer allow for extraction of new resources

Over-Population Definition: –Level of population that is exceeding the ability to retain ‘adequate’ standards of living with the available resources & technology. This may be due to large/dense populations (Bangladesh). But it may also be due to the location having few resources (deserts) & so even with low populations levels it may be ‘over-populated’

Under-Population Definition –Level of population that does not/cannot use all the resources present but has a high standard of living. Australia is an example – the land has far more minerals, metals, capacity for food production than can be used by the population. Australia could support more people without a reduction in living standards.