Final answer:
In the early 1800s, the human population was about 1 billion, and today it is over 7 billion, making option 'b' the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early 1800s, the human population was approximately 1 billion. Today, it is over 7 billion. This historical and demographic information suggests that the correct answer to the student's multiple-choice question is option 'b': 1 billion, 7 billion.
The growth of the human population has been exponential over the centuries, with a notable increase over the past 200 years. Initiating with a milestone of 1 billion around 1800, it surged to 2 billion by 1930 and continued to climb rapidly, surpassing 7 billion by 2012. Today, we are quickly approaching the 8 billion mark.