Which term describes lots of babies being born, so the population is growing?

• A. Natural Increase Rate
• B. Population
• C. Preventing Boom-Bust
• D. Expansive

Answer: (D)

High birth rates that produce a growing population are described by an expansive pattern. In population studies, an expansive pattern is shown when many babies are born and there are lots of young people, leading to ongoing growth and a pyramid with a broad base. This focuses on the structure and potential for growth, not just the yearly difference between births and deaths. While the natural increase rate measures births minus deaths in a year, it doesn’t itself describe the shape of the population or the ongoing growth driven by high fertility. The other terms don’t capture this growth pattern driven by high birth rates.