Living Environment Regents Practice Test

What could be a possible effect on human populations if nitrogen fertilizers were not available?

1. The population would flourish

2. The population would decrease

3. The population would become more diverse

4. The population would stabilize

The correct answer is: The population would decrease

If nitrogen fertilizers were not available, one significant effect on human populations could be a decrease in population numbers. Nitrogen is a key nutrient for plants, and its availability directly affects agricultural productivity. Without sufficient nitrogen, crop yields would likely decline, leading to reduced food production. As food supplies dwindle, this could result in malnutrition or starvation in human populations that heavily depend on agriculture for sustenance. Lower food availability could also lead to higher food prices, economic strain, and potential societal unrest. In such scenarios, not only would immediate impacts on health and food security be evident, but there would also be ripple effects on population dynamics, where a lack of food resources could result in decreased birth rates or increased mortality rates. This reasoning aligns with the understanding that food security is critical for maintaining population numbers. A decrease in population due to insufficient nutrition and resources reflects the core relationship between agricultural practices and human health and sustainability.