Population Growth

        Population growth can be modeled and tracked using the r/k selection theory which relates the selection of traits in an organism that tradeoff between quantity or quality of offspring. The relationship focuses on the tradeoff between the quantity of the offspring versus the parental involvement with the offspring. In the equation, r stands for the maximum growth rate of the population and k represents the carrying capacity of the environment. R-selected species place a high emphasis on a high growth rate and produce many offspring. Meanwhile, K-selected species have populations living in environments close to capacity, and produce fewer offspring that have a higher chance of surviving to adulthood.

       

       When these traits are applied to humans, studies show that East Asians, who develop slower to full adulthood represent the K-selected species because they are living at near capacity, meanwhile, Africans more generally represent the r-selected species. Although, many scientists still doubt these hypotheses due to the very nature of the theory and its seemingly inapplicability to humankind.