Final answer:
The statement that the total population size is projected to increase through the middle of the 21st century is supported by United Nations and USAID projections, showing global population growth particularly in high and intermediate fertility countries. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total population size is projected to increase through the middle of the 21st century, as supported by world population growth projections from the United Nations and USAID. High-fertility countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, are expected to see a population triple between 2011 and 2100.
For countries with intermediate fertility rates, such as the United States, India, and Mexico, the expected growth is around 26 percent. Conversely, low-fertility countries including China, Australia, and most of Europe are expected to experience population declines of approximately 20 percent.
Considering the demographic trends and projections, it can be concluded that the statement is A) Supported, as the global population is indeed expected to rise, with world population estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100 according to recent United Nations projections.