How are Malthus and Ehrlich related in their theories?

Review for the KAMSC Honors Biology Exam. Enhance your knowledge with multiple-choice questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations to master key concepts. Prepare confidently for your semester exam!

Malthus and Ehrlich are connected through their theories regarding human population growth and its effects on resources. Thomas Malthus, in his seminal work "An Essay on the Principle of Population," argued that populations grow exponentially while food supply grows arithmetically, leading to inevitable shortages and potential crises unless checked by factors such as famine, disease, or moral restraint.

Paul Ehrlich, in "The Population Bomb," built upon Malthus's ideas, emphasizing the dire consequences of overpopulation and the strain it places on environmental resources. He predicted that unchecked population growth would lead to widespread famine and social upheaval.

Both theorists acknowledged the potential for rapid population growth to outstrip resource availability, leading to similar conclusions about the dangers of overpopulation. Their theories reflect a shared concern over human capacity to sustain growing populations with the existing agricultural and environmental resources.

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