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Chapter 5: Problem 7

As readers of Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby Dick know, at one time oil made from whale blubber was an important source of energy that was widely used by households and firms in oil lamps. Other sources of energy replaced whale oil in the second half of the nineteenth century, and today many Americans consider whales only as a source of entertainment on visits to aquariums and whale watching excursions. But some species of whales-including baleen and gray whales - are in danger of extinction. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 9 billion chickens are raised for food annually. Chickens, unlike whales, are not threatened with extinction. Briefly explain why.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Whales and chickens have different roles in human society and different reproduction rates. Whales, once used for oil production, were over-hunted, and due to their slow reproduction rate, their population hasn't completely recovered even after the decrease in demand. Chickens are raised for food, a resource with constant demand, but due to their fast maturity and reproduction rate, their population remains sustained, preventing the risk of extinction.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Roles of the Species in Human Society

Whales were hunted for their blubber, which was used to produce oil, a source of energy. This resource has been replaced by other energy sources in the modern era. In contrast, chickens are being raised for their meat, a food resource, which remains in high demand today.
02

Understand the Reproduction Rates of the Species

Whales typically have long lifespans, extended maturity periods, and low birth rates, so their population can recover only slowly from the impact of whaling. Chickens, on the other hand, mature quickly and reproduce rapidly, allowing for their population to be sustained even with high usage rates.
03

Apply Economic Principles

Economic principles of supply and demand play a key role in this situation. The demand for whale oil decreased over time and was replaced with other energy resources, reducing the hunting of whales. However, because of their slow recovery rate, the whale population remains threatened. In contrast, the demand for chicken meat remains high, but due to their fast reproduction rates, the supply is consistently available, and chickens are not at risk of extinction.

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