The Demographic Transition Model
Isabella Hernandez
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the Demographic Transition Model (DTM) and Epidemiological Transition Model (ETM). It details each of the five stages of both models, including birth/death rates, population growth characteristics, and real-world examples. The guide also connects the models and explains their relevance to the AP Human Geography exam with practice questions and exam tips.
#AP Human Geography: Demographic & Epidemiological Transition Models - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀
Hey there, future geographers! Let's break down the Demographic Transition Model (DTM) and the Epidemiological Transition Model (ETM) so you're feeling confident and ready for the AP exam. Think of this as your secret weapon for acing those population questions! 😉
#🗺️ Demographic Transition Model (DTM)
#What's the DTM?
The DTM is like a roadmap showing how populations change over time, based on birth rates and death rates. It's got five stages, each with its own vibe. Knowing these stages is crucial for understanding population pyramids and global trends. Let's dive in!
Key Concept: The DTM helps us understand population changes and predict future trends. It is a core concept for the AP exam.
#Stage 1: High Stationary 👶💀
- Birth Rate: High
- Death Rate: High
- Natural Increase Rate (NIR): Close to zero (population is stable)
- Population Growth: Very slow or stagnant
- Characteristics: Pre-industrial societies, high infant mortality, short life expectancy.
- Example: Historically, most of human history was in Stage 1. Some remote indigenous groups might still be here but no official country is in stage 1 today.
Memory Aid: Think of Stage 1 as 'high-high' – high birth rates and high death rates, leading to very little population growth.
#Stage 2: Early Expanding ⬆️👶⬇️💀
- Birth Rate: High
- Death Rate: Rapidly decreasing
- Natural Increase Rate (NIR): Very high (population explodes)
- Population Growth: Rapid
- Characteristics: Improved sanitation, nutrition, and healthcare lead to lower death rates. Infant mortality decreases but is still high. Grandparents become more common.
- Example: Many Sub-Saharan African countries like Niger and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Exam Tip: Recognize Stage 2 on population pyramids by their very wide base that rapidly narrows as you go up.
#Stage 3: Late Expanding ⬇️👶⬇️💀
- Birth Rate: Decreasing
- **Death Ra...
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