How does the rate of natural increase typically affect population growth?

The correct answer reflects the relationship between the rate of natural increase and population growth. The rate of natural increase refers to the difference between the birth rate and the death rate within a population. When this rate is higher, it indicates that there are more births than deaths occurring, which typically leads to an overall increase in population size.

As the birth rate rises or the death rate falls, the surplus of births contributes to a growing population. This demographic trend is often observed in developing countries where improvements in healthcare and nutrition lead to lower mortality rates, while birth rates may remain high for a period.

Population growth resulting from a higher natural increase is a fundamental concept in population ecology and demography, illustrating how biological factors directly influence population dynamics. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing human population trends and their implications for resource use and environmental sustainability.