According to Malthus, how do population and food production grow?

According to Malthus, how do population and food production grow?

• A. Population grows geometrically while food production grows arithmetically.
• B. Population grows arithmetically while food production grows geometrically.
• C. Both population and food production grow geometrically.
• D. Population grows geometrically while food production remains constant.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that population grows at an exponential, or geometric, rate while food production increases at a much steadier, linear (arithmetical) rate. Population can double in regular intervals, driven by reproduction, so its growth accelerates over time. Food production, limited by finite land and gradual gains in technology, tends to rise by roughly the same amount each period, not by a multiplying factor. Because the faster, exponential growth of population outpaces the slower, linear increase in food, shortages and pressures on resources can arise. This matches the statement that population grows geometrically while food production grows arithmetically.

The key idea is that population grows at an exponential, or geometric, rate while food production increases at a much steadier, linear (arithmetical) rate. Population can double in regular intervals, driven by reproduction, so its growth accelerates over time. Food production, limited by finite land and gradual gains in technology, tends to rise by roughly the same amount each period, not by a multiplying factor. Because the faster, exponential growth of population outpaces the slower, linear increase in food, shortages and pressures on resources can arise. This matches the statement that population grows geometrically while food production grows arithmetically.