Final answer:
The rapid growth of the world population over the past 100 years is indeed primarily due to an increase in food supplies and better access to clean water, along with advances in public health, medical innovations, and other factors reducing mortality rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that an increase in food supplies and better access to clean water is the primary reason the world population has grown so rapidly over the past 100 years is true. The growth rate of the human population has been significantly influenced by a number of factors, including the availability of food and water, advances in public health, sanitation, and medical innovations such as antibiotics and vaccines. All of these have contributed to reduced mortality rates, which has in turn led to population growth.
In addition to the availability of food and clean water, migration, public health improvements and the use of energy from fossil fuels for advancements in agriculture have enabled the human population to grow exponentially. For example, significant medical strides in treating diseases have prevented the kind of massive death tolls seen in historical times due to plagues and widespread infections.
It's also important to note that while an increase in food supplies and access to clean water have contributed to population growth, the challenge remains in ensuring that these resources keep pace with the growing population, to avoid a future food crisis or water shortage. Therefore, sustainability and innovation in food and water resources are crucial as the population continues to expand.