Reread the description of the Malthus population model and then discuss the following questions.
(a) With respect to time span, what assumptions did Malthus make in his model of population versus food supply? What conclusions?
(b) Argue whether it is reasonable to extend indefinitely Malthus's exponential population model, as adjusted in Problems 8 and 9. Where or when might it break down?
(c) Malthus's linear food supply models are not elaborated in the text discussion. Argue whether you think any single linear formula could be expected to extend indefinitely. What innovations might cause any food supply graph to change direction or shape as time goes on? What limitations do you see?
(d) Might Malthus's population model be used to estimate the future numbers of other species of plants and animals?