Final answer:
The statement that human population growth from 1500 to 2010 followed the exponential growth model is supported. This is evidenced by rapid increases in population size and accelerated growth rates during this period, despite human reproduction being below its biotic potential.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the information provided, the assertion that the human population from 1500 to 2010 approximately followed the exponential growth model would be supported (A).
Exponential growth in populations occurs when the growth rate of the population is proportional to the size of the population, resulting in a rapid increase of individuals.
The provided data indicates that worldwide human population growth, represented by the dark blue line in various figures, shows a pattern of rising rapidly, especially over the last few centuries.
Additionally, this growth pattern has occurred even though human reproduction is below its biotic potential, meaning that the population could grow even faster under optimal reproductive conditions and unlimited resources.
Factors indicating exponential growth include a steep increase in population over a relatively short period and a growth rate that accelerates as the population size increases.
For instance, moving from a world population of 1 billion to 7 billion took a much shorter time compared to earlier growth, which is characteristic of an exponential trend. This trend is further emphasized by variations in growth rates among different regions, with economically underdeveloped areas experiencing faster growth rates than developed ones.
However, it is worth noting that exponential growth may not continue indefinitely due to resource limitations and other environmental factors, suggesting that a transition to logistic growth, where the growth rate decreases as the population approaches the carrying capacity of the environment, could occur.