Unit 2: Population and Natural Resources

Answer: D — The correct answer, D, is the most effective strategy because it addresses the root cause of the water shortage, which is the growing population. By reducing the population growth rate, the demand for water will decrease, thereby alleviating the shortage. Option A is incorrect because while drought-resistant crops can reduce water consumption in agriculture, it may not significantly impact the overall water demand. Option B is also incorrect because reducing tourism may have some impact, but it is not a long-term solution to the water shortage. Option C is incorrect because increasing desalination capacity may provide a temporary solution, but it is energy-intensive and may not be sustainable in the long term.

Answer: D — The correct answer, D, is the most likely consequence because a growing population will increase the demand for freshwater, putting pressure on the island's limited supply. Option A is incorrect because while increased investment in desalination technology may increase freshwater production, it may not keep pace with the growing demand. Option B is incorrect because population growth will inevitably impact the island's freshwater resources. Option C is incorrect because there is no indication that rainfall will decrease, and the primary concern is the growing population's demand for freshwater.

Answer: A — The correct answer is A because the island nation's population is growing at a rate that will eventually exceed the maximum population that its freshwater resources can support, leading to a freshwater crisis. Option B is incorrect because the freshwater resources are fixed and cannot support an indefinite population growth. Option C is incorrect because there is no indication that the birth rate will decrease. Option D is incorrect because there is no indication that the death rate will increase.

Answer: B — Implementing strict water conservation measures is the most environmentally friendly option because it reduces the nation's overall water demand, thereby decreasing the pressure on the island's water resources. This approach also promotes sustainable water use and can be implemented quickly. In contrast, investing in a desalination plant (A) would require significant energy inputs and could harm marine life. Importing water from neighboring countries (C) may not be a reliable or sustainable solution, and building a new dam (D) could have negative environmental impacts, such as disrupting natural water flows and affecting local ecosystems.

Answer: D — The correct answer is D because the island nation's population is growing at a rate of 10 per 1,000 (20 births - 10 deaths), which will lead to an increase in the population over time. As the population grows, it will eventually exceed the island's carrying capacity, leading to resource depletion and potential social and economic issues. The other options are incorrect because there is no indication that the birth rate will decrease (A), the death rate will increase to match the birth rate (B), or the population will experience a rapid decline due to the lack of resources (C).