Presents a comparison of human population and pathologic models. Builds support for a hypothesis that the human population is a planetary cancer by establishing the following: (1) features of human populations; (2) characteristics of human populations and other biological communities; (3) models of pathologic processes; and (4) malignant…

Presents a literary review of the positions held concerning a central population issue, development within the ecosphere. Explores concerns posed by contemporary academic economists and ecologists. Suggests that demographers see the issue as an important area of research needing the expertise of several disciplines. (143 references) (MCO)