What does the Demographic Transition Model primarily describe?

The Demographic Transition Model primarily describes the changing levels of fertility and mortality in human populations over time. This model outlines a series of stages that populations typically progress through as they develop, characterized by transitions from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates.

In the early stages of the model, both birth and death rates are high, leading to stable population numbers. As a society progresses, improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition lead to a decline in death rates, while birth rates may remain high for a period. Eventually, as economic development continues and social changes occur (such as increased access to contraception and a shift in societal values), birth rates also begin to fall.

This model is a crucial tool for understanding population dynamics, as it provides insight into how demographics shift in relation to development and can influence planning and policy decisions in various sectors, including healthcare and education. The other options focus on migration patterns, economic impacts, or geographical distribution, which are not the primary focus of the Demographic Transition Model.