Name the four factors that affect population growth. Then, explain how each factor contributes to population growth.

Answer 1

1. Birth rate: The birth rate is the number of births per 1,000 individuals in a population per year. A higher birth rate contributes to population growth because it means that more individuals are being added to the population through birth, increasing the total population size.

2. Death rate: The death rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 individuals in a population per year. A lower death rate contributes to population growth because it means that fewer individuals are dying, allowing the population to grow as more individuals survive and live longer.

3. Migration: Migration refers to the movement of individuals from one place to another. There are two types of migration that can affect population growth: immigration and emigration. Immigration refers to the movement of individuals into a population, while emigration refers to the movement of individuals out of a population. Net migration is the difference between immigration and emigration. Positive net migration, where immigration exceeds emigration, contributes to population growth by adding individuals to the population, while negative net migration, where emigration exceeds immigration, can lead to population decline.

4. Fertility rate: The fertility rate is the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime. A higher fertility rate contributes to population growth because it means that more children are being born, increasing the overall population size. Additionally, a higher fertility rate can lead to a higher birth rate if there is a larger proportion of women of childbearing age in the population.

These factors, together, determine the population growth rate, which is the rate at which the population changes in size over time. If the birth rate exceeds the death rate and there is positive net migration, the population will experience growth. Conversely, if the death rate exceeds the birth rate and there is negative net migration, the population will decline.