Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question refers to the Demographic Transition Model, which describes the historical shift in population dynamics from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops. 'Population explosion' refers to a period of very rapid population growth.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The stages of the demographic transition are:
Stage 1 (Pre-industrial): Both birth rates and death rates are high. As a result, population growth is slow and stable.
Stage 2 (Early industrial): Death rates fall rapidly due to improvements in public health, sanitation, and food supply. However, birth rates remain high. The large gap between high births and low deaths leads to a rapid increase in population, known as the 'population explosion'.
Stage 3 (Late industrial): Birth rates begin to decline due to factors like increased education, urbanization, and access to contraception. Population growth slows down.
Stage 4 (Post-industrial/Developed): Both birth and death rates are low, leading to a stable or even declining population.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The population explosion occurs in the second stage of the demographic transition, where death rates have fallen but birth rates have not yet adjusted downwards.