CAT 1999 — VARC Question 11
Directions: Read the short passages given below and answer the question that follows it.
Thomas Malthus, the British clergyman-turned economist, predicted that the planet would not be able to support the human population for long. His explanation was that human population grows at a geometric rate, while the food supply grows only at an arithmetic rate.
Which one of the following, if true, would not undermine the thesis offered by Malthus?
Answer & solution
- A
Population growth can be slowed down by the voluntary choices of individuals and not just by natural disasters.
- B
The capacity of the planet to feed a growing human population can be enhanced through biotechnological means.
Human systems, and natural systems like food supply, follow natural laws of growth which have remained constant, and will remain unchanged.
- D
Human beings can colonize other planetary systems on a regular and ongoing basis to accommodate a growing population.
(c) is the correct answer choice.
(a) undermines Mathews’ theory by showing how population need not follow geometric rate of growth and (b) undermines it by showing how food need not follow arithmetic rate of growth.
(d) undermines his theory by pointing out that the inability of our planet to support the growing human population need not lead to disastrous consequences for humans. There are ways that these can be averted.
(c) is the only option that does not undermine his theory. It also does not support his theory by referring to the different rates of growth in human and natural systems, but merely asserts that these rates of growth remain constant and cannot be changed.