Step 1: Understanding the Population Growth Theory
The theory of population growth was proposed by Thomas Robert Malthus. He introduced the Malthusian Theory of Population in his famous work, *An Essay on the Principle of Population (1798)*.
Step 2: Core Idea of Malthusian Theory
Malthus stated that population increases geometrically, while food supply grows arithmetically. As a result, unchecked population growth would lead to food shortages, famine, and societal problems.