Malthusian theory of population was proved wrong because

Analyze the question: The question asks why Malthus's theory of population failed to hold true.

Explain the concept: Thomas Malthus (1798) argued that:

• Population grows in a geometric progression (1, 2, 4, 8, 16...)
• Food supply grows in an arithmetic progression (1, 2, 3, 4, 5...)

He concluded that population would eventually outstrip food supply, leading to "positive checks" such as famine, war, and disease, unless "preventive checks" such as late marriage were applied.

Why it was proved wrong: Malthus assumed that technology and land would remain largely fixed. In reality:

• New lands were opened up (the Americas, Australia, and others) for farming.
• New methods of production emerged: mechanization, fertilizers, improved seeds, better storage and transport, and the Industrial and Agricultural Revolutions.

As a result, food production grew much faster than he predicted, often keeping pace with or exceeding population growth.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Subsistence farming was encouraged: Subsistence farming produces only enough for the farmer's family and does not increase food supply significantly. Wrong.
• B. Birth control adopted by developing countries: This does not explain why the theory failed. Malthus's problem was his prediction about food supply, and birth control is closer to his own "preventive check." Wrong.
• C. New lands and new methods of production were discovered: This directly addresses the flaw in his assumption about food production. Correct.
• D. Malthus's view was seen as an exaggeration: This is an opinion, not a reason. It does not explain why it was wrong. Wrong.

Answer: C.

Exam tip: Remember Malthus with "Land and Technology." Whenever you see a question on why his theory failed, look for the option mentioning technological progress, improved farming methods, or new land.