Which economist warned that population growth would outpace resources?

Which economist warned that population growth would outpace resources?

• A. Thomas Robert Malthus
• B. Carl Menger
• C. Adam Smith
• D. David Ricardo

Answer: (A)

The concept tested is the idea that population growth can outpace the growth of resources, leading to scarcity. Thomas Robert Malthus argued that population tends to grow geometrically (rapidly), while resources like food increase only arithmetically (more slowly). This mismatch means shortages can occur unless checks on population arise, such as famine, disease, or moral restraint. His early work framed population dynamics as a central economic concern and warned of potential limits on growth if resource expansion doesn’t keep up. The other economists listed contributed to different areas: Menger is known for developing marginal utility and price theory within the Austrian school, Smith for the idea of the invisible hand and the benefits of free markets, and Ricardo for theories of value, rent, and trade. None of them are primarily associated with the warning that population growth would outpace resources in the way Malthus is.

The concept tested is the idea that population growth can outpace the growth of resources, leading to scarcity. Thomas Robert Malthus argued that population tends to grow geometrically (rapidly), while resources like food increase only arithmetically (more slowly). This mismatch means shortages can occur unless checks on population arise, such as famine, disease, or moral restraint. His early work framed population dynamics as a central economic concern and warned of potential limits on growth if resource expansion doesn’t keep up.

The other economists listed contributed to different areas: Menger is known for developing marginal utility and price theory within the Austrian school, Smith for the idea of the invisible hand and the benefits of free markets, and Ricardo for theories of value, rent, and trade. None of them are primarily associated with the warning that population growth would outpace resources in the way Malthus is.