Assertion: The most effective refutation of Malthus's theory was provided by the historical experience of European countries. Reason: In European nations, birth rates had declined, and outbreaks of epidemic diseases was controlled. Both food production and standards of living continued to rise despite the rapid growth of population.

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A A is false R is true A is true R is false.

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Malthus’s theory was influential for a long time. But it was also challenged by theorists who claimed that economic growth could outstrip population growth. However, the most effective refutation of his theory was provided by the historical experience of European countries. The pattern of population growth began to change in the latter half of nineteenth century, and by the end of the first quarter of the twentieth century these changes were quite dramatic. Birth rates had declined, and outbreaks of epidemic diseases were being controlled. Malthus’s predictions were proved false because both food production and standards of living continued to rise despite the rapid growth of population.