How do health epidemics typically affect population dynamics?

Health epidemics significantly impact population dynamics primarily through their ability to increase mortality rates while simultaneously affecting birth rates. During an epidemic, a higher number of individuals may succumb to illness, leading to an overall increase in mortality within the population. This rise in deaths can cause a decline in the population size, especially if the epidemic impacts younger age groups or those more vulnerable.

Moreover, health epidemics can also influence birth rates. In periods of widespread disease, people may delay starting families or reducing family size due to concerns about health risks and economic instability. Such factors can lead to lower birth rates during and after an epidemic, as the fear of spreading illness or the strain on healthcare systems may discourage family growth.

This interaction between increased mortality and altered birth rates brings about significant changes in the demographic structure of a population, affecting age distribution, dependency ratios, and overall population growth trends, thus highlighting the pivotal role that health crises play in shaping population dynamics.