Key Issues 2.4 Quiz

Thomas Malthus concluded that:

• population increased arithmetically while food production increased geometrically.
• the world's rate of population increase was higher than the development of food supplies.
• "moral restraint" among the poor was producing lower crude birth rates.
• crude birth rates must balance crude death rates.

In comparing Malthus's theory to actual world food production and population growth during the past half-century, the principal difference is that:

• actual food production has been much higher than Malthus predicted.
• actual population growth has been much higher than Malthus predicted.
• Malthus's theory predicted much higher population growth than has actually occurred.
• population increased geometrically while food production increased arithmetically.

The low rate of contraceptive use in Africa reflects the region's:

• rapid diffusion of contraceptives.
• improving education of women.
• low status of women.
• all of the above.

A possible stage 5 epidemiological transition is the stage of:

• pestilence and famine.
• receding pandemics.
• delayed degenerative diseases.
• reemergence of infectious and parasitic diseases.

The most lethal epidemic in recent years has been:

• avian flu.
• malaria.
• HIV/AIDS.
• cholera.

Carrying capacity is  function of:

• technology.
• natural resources.
• resource allocation.
• limiting factors.

Anti-natal population policies usually involve:

• limiting fertility levels.

• limiting immigration levels.

• promoting educational opportunities for women.

• all of the above.

India and China are the world's two most populous countries. While China has instituted a strict population policy, India:

• for cultural reasons, encourages women to continue to reproduce.

• encourages lower fertility rates through education and access to family planning resources.

• has a similar policy as China.

• does not endorse birth control because of the Catholic majority.

If overpopulation is a myth, what factor contributes to persistent malnourished populations in less developed countries (LDCs)?

• conflict
• mechanization of agriculture.
• urbanization.
• the medical revolution.

Hunters and gatherers - which are in Stage 1 of DTM - typically die from:

• infectious diseases.
• malnutrition.
• dangerous encounters with animals and humans.
• all of the above.