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Critical Reasoning: Malthusian Theory

CAT 1999 Slot 1 · Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension · Hard · Verbal Ability

This is a hard Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension question from the CAT 1999 Slot 1 paper. It tests Verbal Ability. The full answer key and a step-by-step explanation are below — try it yourself first, then reveal the solution.

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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?

  1. A.

    Population growth can be slowed down by the voluntary choices of individuals and not just by natural disasters.

  2. B.

    The capacity of the planet to feed a growing human population can be enhanced through biotechnological means.

  3. C.

    Human systems, and natural systems like food supply, follow natural laws of growth which have remained constant, and will remain unchanged.

  4. D.

    Human beings can colonize other planetary systems on a regular and ongoing basis to accommodate a growing population.

Answer

C

Explanation

If growth rates remain unchanged and constant, Malthus's thesis that geometric population growth outpaces arithmetic food growth remains intact and is not undermined.

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