In an introduction to population growth models, which model is most commonly used to describe human population growth over the past few centuries (at the global scale)?

• A. Declining (negative exponential) growth model
• B. Logistic growth model with an immediate carrying capacity limit
• C. Exponential growth model
• D. Linear growth model with a constant additive increase each year

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the different population growth models: Exponential growth, Logistic growth, Declining (negative exponential) growth, and Linear growth.
2. Recall that the exponential growth model describes populations growing without constraints, where the growth rate is proportional to the current population size.
3. Recognize that human population over the past few centuries has increased rapidly without immediate limits, fitting the characteristics of exponential growth.
4. Contrast this with the logistic growth model, which includes a carrying capacity that limits growth, something not observed globally in human populations until very recently.
5. Conclude that the exponential growth model is most commonly used to describe human population growth at the global scale over the past few centuries.