The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Malthus’s population theory is based on the idea that population will grow exponentially, while food production will only grow arithmetically. This means that, at some point, population will outstrip food production, and there will be a Malthusian catastrophe.
The principle of optimum population is based on the idea that there is a certain population size that is optimal for a given society. This population size is the one that maximizes the well-being of the society.
The point of optimum population is not fixed. It can change over time, depending on a variety of factors, such as technological advances, changes in the environment, and changes in social values.
Here is a more detailed explanation of each statement:
- Statement (i): Malthus’s population theory does not directly depend on the diminishing return law.
This statement is incorrect. Malthus’s population theory is based on the idea that population will grow exponentially, while food production will only grow arithmetically. This means that, at some point, population will outstrip food production, and there will be a Malthusian catastrophe. The diminishing return law is a law of economics that states that, as more and more resources are used to produce a good, the marginal productivity of those resources will decrease. This means that, as more and more people are added to the workforce, the amount of food that they can produce will eventually decrease.
- Statement (ii): The principle of optimum population compared population with food grains.
This statement is incorrect. The principle of optimum population is based on the idea that there is a certain population size that is optimal for a given society. This population size is the one that maximizes the well-being of the society. It is not based on the idea that population should be compared with food grains.
- Statement (iii): The point of optimum population is fixed.
This statement is incorrect. The point of optimum population is not fixed. It can change over time, depending on a variety of factors, such as technological advances, changes in the environment, and changes in social values. For example, if a society develops new technologies that allow it to produce more food, then the point of optimum population will increase. Similarly, if a society experiences environmental degradation, then the point of optimum population will decrease.