Which of the following statements are NOT correct about the theory of population growth by Malthus?

A. The theory is based on the role of changing technology and biological limitations that a population cannot grow beyond a certain limit.
B. Malthus observed a negative correlation between tension in life and the number of children.
C. Malthus based his theory of population on the experience of East European countries.
D. Malthus' positive checks include wars, diseases, droughts, poverty, etc.
E. The unchecked population increases at an arithmetic rate while subsistence (food) increases at a geometric rate.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

• Statement A  (Incorrect):

  • Malthus' theory did not focus on changing technology; instead, he believed food production could not keep up with population growth.

• Statement C  (Incorrect):

  • Malthus based his theory on the experience of England, not Eastern Europe.

• Statement E  (Incorrect):

  • The correct statement is:
    • Population grows geometrically (2, 4, 8, 16...).
    • Food production grows arithmetically (1, 2, 3, 4...).

Information Booster 

Thomas Robert Malthus proposed the Malthusian Theory of Population in 1798 in his book An Essay on the Principle of Population. His theory states that population growth tends to outpace food production, leading to scarcity, poverty, and societal crises.

1. Population Growth:
   • Increases geometrically (2, 4, 8, 16, 32...).
2. Food Production Growth:
   • Increases arithmetically (1, 2, 3, 4, 5...).
3. Checks on Population:
   • Positive Checks: Natural forces like wars, famines, diseases, and poverty that increase the death rate.
   • Preventive Checks: Social measures like late marriage, moral restraint, and birth control that lower birth rates.

• Ignored technological advancements (e.g., Green Revolution improved food production).
• Failed to consider social and economic changes that reduced birth rates in modern times.
• Overlooked resource management and trade that help sustain growing populations.

Additional Knowledge:

• Statement B  (Correct):

  • Malthus observed a negative correlation between tension and the number of children in his theory.

• Statement D  (Correct):

  • Wars, diseases, and droughts were considered positive checks that reduce the population.