Application of Exponential Function to population growth

An exponential function can be used to describe exponential, logarithmic growth, growth in a source of constant flow, and a variety of other important quantities. For example, exponential functions are used in demography to predict population size, in finance to calculate the value of investments, in archeology to date ancient artifacts, in psychology to study learning patterns, and in industry to estimate the viability of the products.

The exponential population models in instances are referred to as Malthusian, after Thomas Malthus (1766-1834), a British economist who predicted the mass famine that would result if a population grew exponentially while the food supply grew steadily ( linear).

1. Do you agree or disagree with Thomas Malthus's theory of population growth?

2. Theorize about human population growth.

3. In the event that you disagree, comment on an alternative theory of population growth.

4. Can you say that the exponential growth model presented by Malthus cannot be applied to human population growth?

5. Explain the mathematical model economists use to describe population growth.