Question

Which of the following would contribute to increasing population growth over time? (A) A fertility rate less than 2 (B) An immigration rate larger than emigration rate (C) An increase in mortality rate (D) A decrease in birth rate

Short answer

Option (B) An immigration rate larger than emigration rate.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the factors affecting population growth

Population growth is influenced by birth rates, death rates (mortality), and migration patterns (immigration and emigration). Evaluate how changes in these factors could affect population growth.

Evaluate the fertility rate

A fertility rate less than 2 means that, on average, each woman is having fewer than 2 children, which is below the replacement level needed to maintain the current population size. This would not contribute to population growth.

Examine the effects of immigration and emigration

If the immigration rate (people moving into a country) is larger than the emigration rate (people moving out of a country), there is a net increase in the population. This would contribute to population growth.

Assess the impact of mortality rate

An increase in the mortality rate means more people are dying. This would decrease the population size over time, thus not contributing to population growth.

Consider the effects of birth rates

A decrease in birth rate means fewer births per year, which would slow down population growth or even lead to a decrease in the population over time.

Select the correct option

From the evaluation, the only factor that contributes to increasing population growth over time is an immigration rate larger than the emigration rate.

Key concepts

Birth Rate

The birth rate refers to the number of live births per 1,000 people in a given year. This is a critical factor in determining population growth or decline. When the birth rate is high, it means there are more babies being born, which can lead to an increase in population.
Conversely, a lower birth rate would imply fewer births, which might slow down or even decrease a population size over time.
Factors influencing birth rate include:

• Economic conditions: In wealthier societies, families tend to have fewer children.
• Social norms: Cultural and societal expectations can influence the number of children people decide to have.
• Access to healthcare: Better access to and awareness of reproductive health and family planning can result in lower birth rates.

Mortality Rate

The mortality rate, or death rate, is the number of deaths per 1,000 individuals per year. It serves as an indicator of the health and well-being of a population.
An increase in mortality rate means more people are dying relative to the population size. This can be influenced by health care quality, lifestyle choices, and general living conditions.
A high mortality rate can decrease the population size over time. Conversely, a lower mortality rate, often associated with better medical care and healthier living conditions, can help maintain or grow the population.
Understanding the mortality rate helps in planning for things like healthcare, social services, and retirement funds.

Immigration Rate

Immigration rate represents the number of people moving into a country from another. A higher immigration rate means that more people are entering the country, contributing to population growth.
Immigration rates are influenced by factors such as:

• Economic opportunities: Job availability and higher wages can attract people to move to a new country.
• Political stability: People often move from politically unstable regions to more stable ones.
• Social factors: Family reunification or better quality of life can also be reasons for immigration.

When the immigration rate is high and exceeds the emigration rate, the net population increases, boosting overall population growth.

Emigration Rate

The emigration rate is the number of people leaving a country to live in another. High emigration rates can decrease population size if many individuals decide to move abroad.
Factors affecting emigration include:

• Economic hardship: People often leave their home country in search of better economic conditions elsewhere.
• Political unrest: Wars, conflicts, and political instability can drive people to emigrate.
• Environmental factors: Natural disasters or poor living conditions can force individuals to search for a better quality of life in another country.

If emigration rates are higher than immigration rates, it leads to a net loss in population. Therefore, regulating emigration can be crucial for maintaining population levels.

Fertility Rate

The fertility rate is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime. A crucial indicator of population growth.
A fertility rate below 2 means that, on average, each woman has fewer than 2 children, which is considered below the replacement level. Replacement level refers to the number of children needed to keep the population size stable, assuming no immigration or emigration.
Factors influencing fertility rate include:

• Education: Higher education levels in women often correlate with lower fertility rates.
• Access to contraception: Availability and use of contraceptive methods can help manage fertility rates.
• Government policies: Policies that support family planning and provide incentives for smaller families can also reduce fertility rates.

A low fertility rate can lead to population aging and eventual decline, while a higher fertility rate can spur population growth.