Population Growth
Definition
Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a population. It can be measured as the change in population over time, often due to factors such as birth rate, death rate, and migration.
Analogy
Think of population growth like a balloon being filled with air. The more air (or people) you add, the bigger it gets. But just like how too much air can pop a balloon, too rapid or uncontrolled population growth can lead to problems like overcrowding and resource scarcity.
Related terms
Birth Rate: This is the number of live births per thousand of population per year. It's like measuring how quickly new air (people) is being added into our balloon (population).
Death Rate: This is the number of deaths per thousand of population per year. In our balloon analogy, this would be similar to small amounts of air leaking out.
Migration: This refers to movement by people from one place to another with intentions of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. Imagine if you could move some air from one balloon into another - that's what migration does for populations!
"Population Growth" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (13)
- Why did the introduction of New World crops like potatoes lead to significant population growth in Europe?
- Which staple crop transported during the Columbian exchange significantly bolstered population growth in Europe?
- What was one major effect of population growth on European society in the sixteenth century?
- What was a significant impact of the population growth in Europe during this time period?
- What were the primary causes of population growth in the 18th-century Europe?
- What spurred the significant population growth in 18th-century Europe?
- What was a key factor contributing to population growth in Europe during the 18th Century?
- What was a major factor that triggered population growth in Europe during the Agricultural Revolution?
- How did population growth in Europe during the eighteenth century contribute to economic change?
- Which medical innovation has had a profound impact on population growth and lifespan since its development in the 20th century?
- How did population growth contribute to the rise of global markets during this time period?
- The population growth in Europe during the 18th century can be attributed to which factor?
- Which key technological innovation of the Industrial Revolution led to significant population growth and urbanization in Europe?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.