What does the demographic transition model primarily describe?

The demographic transition model primarily describes the process of population change as societies transition through various stages of development. It outlines how population growth and decline can be linked to changes in birth and death rates as a country develops economically and socially.

In its early stages, a population typically experiences high birth and death rates, resulting in little to no population growth. As development progresses, improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation lead to a decline in death rates, while birth rates remain high, causing rapid population growth. Eventually, as societies become more urbanized and economically advanced, birth rates begin to decline as well, leading to stabilization or even a decrease in population size.

The model provides a valuable framework for understanding how different societies transition through these stages, and it highlights the relationship between a country's economic development and its population dynamics. This understanding is critical for planning resources, healthcare, and infrastructure as populations change over time.

Other options, while relevant to certain aspects of population studies, do not accurately capture the essence of the demographic transition model as it specifically emphasizes the connection between population trends and economic development stages.