Question

How does biology help in control of overpopulation?
A) By use of biofertilizers
B) Killing of female fetus
C) Educating use of contraceptives
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint:-Overpopulation occurs when the population size exceeds the sustainable capability or the carrying capacity of a particular population in a habitat. Increase in birth rate, decline in death rate, no family planning and increase in immigration result in overpopulation. Overpopulation is undesirable and through the help of biology, we can help overcome it. With overpopulation, there is an increase in the demand for natural resources like water, land and food which leads to over exploitation of the natural resources. This overexploitation can cause detrimental effects on nature.

Complete solution:
By using biofertilizers, there is an increase in the production and yield of crops. The increased yield can help feed a large number of the population but it does not help in control of overpopulation. Killing of female fetuses is unethical and a social issue. Such type of coercive birth control is not what biology aims to do.
Educating people on using contraceptives is an effective method to curb overpopulation. Contraceptives can be used for birth control. There are various types of contraception including barrier method, hormonal method and surgeries of reproductive parts. The barrier method includes the use of male condoms, female condoms and diaphragms for females. The hormonal methods aim to prevent fertilisation. The use of oral pills by females are also a method of hormonal contraception. These pills use a combination of progesterone and oestrogen hormones to inhibit the release of FSH (follicular synthesising molecule) and LH (luteinizing hormone). It thus prevents the egg from being ready for fertilisation.
Thus the correct answer is C) educating use of contraception.

Note:- Carrying capacity is a term used to study population. It is the maximum size of a certain population or species inhabiting a particular niche. Fossil fuels are depleting at an alarming rate due to overpopulation. Poor contraceptive use and lack of family planning is the number one cause of overpopulation. It also leads to unemployment and poverty.