Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The advanced nations face no population problem since they were already settling down to zero growth ______ in population.

rate

The correct option to fill in the blank is rate.

• Scale refers to the size or extent of something. It is not the most appropriate word to use in this context, as it does not specifically refer to the growth of the population.
• Frequency refers to the number of times something happens in a given period of time. It is not the most appropriate word to use in this context, as it does not specifically refer to the growth of the population.
• Degree refers to the extent to which something is true or intense. It is not the most appropriate word to use in this context, as it does not specifically refer to the growth of the population.