In the demographic transition model, which stage is characterized by high birth and death rates?

• A. Stage 1: high birth rates; high death rates.
• B. Stage 2: high birth rates, falling death rates.
• C. Stage 3: falling birth rates.
• D. Stage 4: low birth and death rates.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how birth and death rates shape population change as societies develop. In the demographic transition model, the stage where both birth rates and death rates are high is the early, pre-industrial stage. Births stay high because large families are common, there may be cultural incentives to have many children, and children can provide labor or security. Deaths stay high due to limited medical knowledge, poor sanitation, famine, and disease. Because both are high, the net population growth is slow or nearly stagnant. As development proceeds, death rates begin to fall while birth rates remain high for a while, then birth rates start to fall, and finally both rates become low in the later stage. So the description of high birth and high death rates points to Stage one.