AP Human Geography : Theories of Population Growth & Decline
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography
All AP Human Geography Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #62 : Ap Human Geography
Which of the following arguments can be made in opposition to Malthus’ theories on the “principle of population”?
I. Population growth will slow over time due to availability of contraception and the implementation of population control policies.
II. Technological innovation can lead to dramatic improvements in agricultural production.
III. Population growth will continue to rise due to declining death rates and improved access to education.
III only
I, II, and III
I and II only
II only
I only
I and II only
Malthus’ “principle of population” states that eventually, population growth will exceed the capacity of agricultural production, which will lead to widespread starvation and suffering. Over the years, many detractors have proposed various arguments in opposition to Malthus’ theories. Two of the most prominent arguments are that a) population growth will slow due to the availability of contraception and the desire of governments to limit growth and b) technological innovation can lead to dramatic improvements in agricultural production, which allow it to keep up with the growth in population.
Example Question #21 : Population Growth & Decline
According to Thomas Malthus population grows __________, whereas food production grows __________.
exponentially . . . parabolically
linearly . . . exponentially
parabolically . . . geometrically
geometrically . . . arithmetically
arithmetically . . . linearly
geometrically . . . arithmetically
Thomas Malthus was an economist during the Enlightenment in Europe. In the late eighteenth century he wrote Essay on the Principle of Population (1798) which argues that food production increases arithmetically (linearly) and that population grows geometrically (exponentially). According to Malthus this would mean that eventually the population growth would exceed the growth in food production causing widespread starvation and suffering. Malthus’ arguments continue to be widely influential today.
Example Question #62 : Ap Human Geography
Why is the Demographic Accounting Equation more comprehensive than the Natural Increase Rate”?
It considers the Crude Birth Rate and the Crude Death Rate.
None of these answers are correct; the “natural increase rate” is more comprehensive than the “demographic accounting equation.”
It ignores the Total Fertility Rate, which can be illusory.
It takes into account immigration and emigration.
It uses past examples and evidence to project into the future.
It takes into account immigration and emigration.
The Natural Increase Rate and the Demographic Accounting Equation are both calculations used to determine the current or projected population growth of a region. The Demographic Accounting Equation is more comprehensive because it takes into account immigration and emigration, whereas the Natural Increase Rate only takes into account the birth and death rates.
Example Question #71 : Ap Human Geography
The growth rate, or replacement rate, needed to sustain a population is ____________.
A stable population requires a growth, or replacement, rate of 
Example Question #72 : Ap Human Geography
The scientific study of a population and its characteristics is known as __________.
mortality
ecumene
None of these
capacity
demography
demography
The study of a population's characteristics is known as "demography." "Mortality" refers to the study of death rates or the actual ability of an individual to die. Ecumene is the geographical area in which people have made their permanent home.
Example Question #22 : Theories Of Population Growth & Decline
What is the stationary population level (SPL)?
The level at which a population cannot grow any more.
The level at which a population surpasses the national average.
The level at which a population could grow if given finite resources.
The level at which a population could grow if given unlimited resources.
The level at which a population begins before a growth period.
The level at which a population cannot grow any more.
The stationary population level (SPL) is the level at which a population cannot grow any more.
Example Question #71 : Ap Human Geography
What term is used to describe the number of live births yearly per 1,000 people in a given population?
Mortality rate (MR)
Crude death rate (CDR)
Crude birth rate (CBR)
Basic demographic rate (BDR)
Demographical shift
Crude birth rate (CBR)
The crude birth rate or CBR is the ratio of the number of live births yearly per 1,000 people in a given population.
Example Question #21 : Theories Of Population Growth & Decline
What is the term used to describe the number of deaths in a year per 1,000 people in a given population?
Demographic shift
Basic demographic rate (BDR)
Crude death rate (CDR)
Base mortality
Crude birth rate (CBR)
Crude death rate (CDR)
The crude death rate or CDR is the ratio of the number of deaths yearly per 1,000 people in a given population.
Example Question #72 : Ap Human Geography
What is the formula for determining the natural increase rate (NIR)?
NIR = 2*CDR
NIR = CBR*CDR
NIR = CBR - CDR
NIR = CBR - DSR
NIR = CBR + CDR
NIR = CBR - CDR
NIR (Natural Increase Rate) = CBR (Crude Birth Rate) - CDR (Crude Death Rate)
All AP Human Geography Resources
