The growth rate of the human population is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate. This difference is expressed as a percentage of the population, typically reported as the number of births or deaths per 1000 individuals per year.

To determine the growth rate, the birth rate and death rate are assessed. For instance, if the birth rate is 18 births per 1000 individuals per year and the death rate is 8 deaths per 1000 individuals per year, the growth rate is calculated as follows: (Births - Deaths) = 18 - 8 = 10, which translates to a growth rate of 1.0% when expressed per 100 individuals. This method allows for a clear understanding of how population size changes over time.

Key points

Growth rate is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate.
The result is expressed as a percentage of the population.
Population growth is often reported as births or deaths per 1000 individuals per year.
In 2015, the world birth rate was 18 per 1000 and the death rate was 8 per 1000, resulting in a growth rate of 1.0%.
Understanding growth rates helps predict future population changes.

How is the growth rate of the human population calculated based on birth and death rates as discussed in the chapter?

Related questions