Question

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the power of population is so superior to the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man, that premature death must in some shape or other visit the human race. they are the precursors in the great army of destruction; and often finish the dreadful work themselves. but should they fail in this war of extermination, sickly seasons, epidemics, pestilence, and plague, advance in terrific array, and sweep off their thousands and ten thousands. should success be still incomplete, gigantic inevitable famine stalks in the rear, and with one mighty blow levels the population with the food of the world.
— thomas malthus, an essay on the principle of population

1. what does malthus mean in the first sentence when he says, “the power of population is so superior to the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man.”? explain your answer.

we would grow the earth naina resones and water

1. malthus claims that humanity often deals with the issue of population on their own, “and often finish the dreadful work themselves.” can you think of examples of what malthus might be referencing? explain.
2. malthus lists many natural causes of population control, however, what is last and “inevitable” according to the passage?

Explanation:

1. Malthus means that the rate of population growth is much faster than the rate at which the Earth can produce the resources (like food) necessary to sustain that population. This implies a future - scarcity situation if population growth is not controlled.
2. He might be referring to wars, which are human - made conflicts that result in large - scale death and thus control population. Also, voluntary family - planning measures or infanticide (although controversial and extreme) could be seen as humanity's self - imposed ways of dealing with population pressure.
3. According to the passage, the last and "inevitable" natural cause of population control is famine. When other means like premature death, diseases, etc. fail to control population, famine steps in to balance the population with the available food resources.

Answer:

1. Malthus means population growth rate exceeds Earth's resource - production rate for human subsistence.
2. Wars, voluntary family - planning (or extreme cases like infanticide).
3. Famine.