Which economist warned that population growth can outrun increases in food production?

Which economist warned that population growth can outrun increases in food production?

• A. Malthus, Thomas
• B. Boserup, Ester
• C. Rostow, Walt
• D. Weber, Alfred

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the idea that population growth can outpace increases in food production. Thomas Malthus argued that populations tend to grow geometrically while food production rises only arithmetically, so without natural or social checks there won’t be enough food to sustain everyone. He described positive checks (famine, disease, war) that reduce population and preventive checks (like delaying marriage) that reduce growth. This idea is why the statement is attributed to him. Other thinkers come from different angles: Ester Boserup suggested that population pressure can spur agricultural innovation and intensification, while Rostow and Weber focused on growth stages and cultural/economic factors, not the direct population-food supply dynamic Malthus emphasized.

The concept being tested is the idea that population growth can outpace increases in food production. Thomas Malthus argued that populations tend to grow geometrically while food production rises only arithmetically, so without natural or social checks there won’t be enough food to sustain everyone. He described positive checks (famine, disease, war) that reduce population and preventive checks (like delaying marriage) that reduce growth. This idea is why the statement is attributed to him. Other thinkers come from different angles: Ester Boserup suggested that population pressure can spur agricultural innovation and intensification, while Rostow and Weber focused on growth stages and cultural/economic factors, not the direct population-food supply dynamic Malthus emphasized.