Final answer:
In the demographic transition of a human population, the death rate generally decreases first, followed by a subsequent fall in the birth rate. This reduction in death rate leads to initial population growth, and over time, as economic conditions and educational opportunities improve, birth rates begin to decline as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the process known as demographic transition, a pattern is observed where the death rate decreases first in human populations transitioning from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates. This decrease in death rate subsequently leads to a period of population growth, as birth rates initially remain high or even increase before they also begin to decline. This sequence of events affects the rate of population growth over time, with a surge in population occurring when the birth rate exceeds the death rate during the transition period.
As a population progresses through the stages of demographic transition, the decrease in death rate is often facilitated by improvements in medical technology, education, and standards of living. This reduction in mortality, particularly among children, can lead to smaller average family sizes, as the need for having more children to ensure survival to adulthood diminishes. Eventually, as the society becomes more economically secure and the role of women in education and the labor force grows, the birth rate also starts to fall, stabilizing the population growth.