Difference between revisions of "Population"

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The composition of the '''Population''' of a [[colony]] on [[Mars]] will be subject to several conditions. This article tries to outline the case of a growing [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony|automomous colony]].
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The composition of the '''Population''' of a [[colony]] on [[Mars]] will be subject to several conditions. This article tries to outline the case of a growing [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony|autonomous colony]].  
  
==Skills==
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==Skills==  
There are a lot of different tasks for the colonists to do. Mars is an alien world and bears imponderable conditions. People may have the need to improvise. The following skills are vital:
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There are many different tasks for the colonists to carry out. Mars is an alien world and bears imponderable conditions. People may have the need to improvise. The following skills are vital:  
*Profound knowledge and experience in technical matters and engineering
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*Profound knowledge and experience in technical matters and engineering  
*Scientific expertise in [[Geology]], [[Biology]], [[Medicine]] and [[Radiology]]
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*Scientific expertise in [[Geology]], [[Biology]], [[Medicine]] and [[Radiology]]  
*[[Agriculture|Agricultural]] knowledge
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*[[Agriculture|Agricultural]] knowledge  
*Capabilities for Education, Nursery and Psychology
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*Capabilities for Education, Nursery and Psychology  
  
==Supply==
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==Supply==  
 
The size of the human population must not be too big due to the risk of [[overpopulation]], causing lack of [[food]] and [[resources]].  
 
The size of the human population must not be too big due to the risk of [[overpopulation]], causing lack of [[food]] and [[resources]].  
  
==Biological==
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==Biological==  
 
The size of the human population must not be too small due to the risk of [[inbreeding depression]].  
 
The size of the human population must not be too small due to the risk of [[inbreeding depression]].  
  
==Social==
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==Social==  
A group of male individuals tend to be more aggressive than a mixed group of males and females. The mix in age of the individuals has an effect, too.
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A group of male individuals tend to be more aggressive than a mixed group of males and females. The mix in age of the individuals has an effect, too.  
  
While the first Martian settlers, who grew up on [[Earth]], will be full of enthusiasm, the next generation might have a different attitude. This has to be taken into account. An initial population of mixed age can reduce the effect of division into groups with different interests.
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While the first Martian settlers, who grew up on [[Earth]], will be full of enthusiasm, the next generation might have a different attitude. This has to be taken into account. An initial population of mixed age can reduce the effect of division into groups with different interests.  
  
==Open issues==
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==Open issues==  
*What is the minimum size of a human population to avoid inbreeding effects?
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*What is the minimum size of a human population to avoid inbreeding effects?  
  
[[Category: Human Considerations]]
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[[Category: Human Considerations]]  
 
[[Category:Concepts]]
 
[[Category:Concepts]]

Revision as of 02:08, 4 December 2007

The composition of the Population of a colony on Mars will be subject to several conditions. This article tries to outline the case of a growing autonomous colony.

Skills

There are many different tasks for the colonists to carry out. Mars is an alien world and bears imponderable conditions. People may have the need to improvise. The following skills are vital:

Supply

The size of the human population must not be too big due to the risk of overpopulation, causing lack of food and resources.

Biological

The size of the human population must not be too small due to the risk of inbreeding depression.

Social

A group of male individuals tend to be more aggressive than a mixed group of males and females. The mix in age of the individuals has an effect, too.

While the first Martian settlers, who grew up on Earth, will be full of enthusiasm, the next generation might have a different attitude. This has to be taken into account. An initial population of mixed age can reduce the effect of division into groups with different interests.

Open issues

  • What is the minimum size of a human population to avoid inbreeding effects?