Biology Regents Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct term for the shift in population growth as a country develops economically is demographic transition. This concept describes the changes a country goes through as it transitions from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates, which typically occurs during economic development.

In the early stages of demographic transition, a country may experience high birth rates and improving healthcare leading to lower death rates, resulting in population growth. As the country continues to develop, factors such as increased access to education, employment opportunities, and family planning contribute to a decline in birth rates, stabilizing the population size.

Understanding demographic transition is crucial for analyzing how social, economic, and health-related factors interact to influence population dynamics over time. This model explains not only the changes in population growth rates but also the accompanying shifts in population structure, such as age distribution, urbanization, and the overall demographic make-up of societies.