If deaths and out-migration are high but births and in-migration are low, what will the total population change be like?

Correct answer: A rapid decline is possible

Direct answer: A is correct. Deaths and out-migration are processes that reduce the population of an area. Births and in-migration are processes that add people. If the reducing processes are high while the adding processes are low, the balance of population change is likely to be negative, so a rapid decline is possible. We cannot calculate the exact decline because the question gives no numbers or time period; therefore “possible” is more accurate than “certain.” B is wrong because it describes the opposite balance. C is wrong because density depends on both population and area, and it does not always rise when population processes are negative. D is wrong because these processes change the number of people, not the physical area of the region. Memory cue: high losses plus low additions usually means population decline.