In the Demographic Transition Model, which stage is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates?

• A. Stage 4 low birth and death
• B. Stage 2 death declines
• C. Stage 1 high birth and death
• D. Stage 3 birth declines

Answer: (C)

In the Demographic Transition Model, the stage with both high birth rates and high death rates appears in the early, preindustrial phase. Birth rates are high because large families are valued for labor and support in agrarian economies, and there is limited access to contraception. Death rates are high due to poor sanitation, limited medical knowledge, malnutrition, and frequent disease or famine. Because both births and deaths are high, population growth is slow and fluctuates rather than rising rapidly.

As conditions improve, death rates begin to fall while birth rates remain high for a time, leading to rapid population growth, then birth rates eventually decline, bringing down overall growth in later stages.