In population demography, which situation can result in negative population growth (a declining population size over time)?

• A. The combined death rate and emigration rate exceed the combined birth rate and immigration rate.
• B. The total fertility rate increases while the death rate remains constant.
• C. Immigration increases while birth and death rates remain unchanged.
• D. The birth rate is greater than the death rate while immigration equals emigration.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that population growth depends on four main factors: birth rate, death rate, immigration rate, and emigration rate.
2. Recognize that population size will decline (negative growth) if the number of individuals leaving the population (through death and emigration) is greater than the number of individuals added (through birth and immigration).
3. Express this relationship mathematically as: \(\text{Death rate} + \text{Emigration rate} > \text{Birth rate} + \text{Immigration rate}\).
4. Analyze each given situation by comparing the combined death and emigration rates to the combined birth and immigration rates to determine if the population is increasing or decreasing.
5. Conclude that the situation where the combined death rate and emigration rate exceed the combined birth rate and immigration rate results in negative population growth.