Final answer:
Thomas Malthus predicted that the population would outpace the food supply, leading to famine, disease, and war. However, his predictions did not come true due to technological advancements in food production, improvements in medicine, and the availability of contraception and family planning methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Malthus (1766-1834) made dire predictions about the Earth's ability to sustain its growing population. He believed that the population would eventually outpace the food supply, leading to famine, disease, and war. However, Malthus' predictions did not come true because of several factors. Technological advancements in food production, such as the development of new agricultural techniques and increased use of physical capital, have allowed for increased output. Additionally, advancements in medicine have helped curb death rates from disease. Lastly, the availability and widespread use of contraception and family planning methods have slowed the rate of population growth. These factors have contributed to the ongoing expansion of the human population, contrary to Malthus' predictions.