Which option shows an error of time period in comparing population growth?

Correct answer: Directly comparing one area’s 10-year population growth with another area’s 5-year growth

The direct answer is A. A fair comparison of population growth requires attention to the time period, the starting population, and often the rate of change. Option A compares one area’s change over 10 years with another area’s change over only 5 years. A longer period has more time to accumulate change, so directly comparing the two totals can produce a misleading conclusion. A is therefore the time-period error. B is appropriate because both areas are measured over the same 10 years. C can also support a fair comparison when the same period and a clearly defined percentage rate are used. D is sensible because two areas with different starting populations should not be judged only by their absolute increase. If periods differ, convert the figures to a comparable annual or standard-period rate. Memory cue: before comparing growth, check the clock and the starting population.