The information provided in demographic transition models and population pyramids can also be used to make predictions about population growth.

Watch the following presentation about reading population pyramids. Pay special attention to the population pyramids representing China’s population.

In the presentation, you were able to see the changes in population in China into the future. How is that possible? How can researchers determine how population can change 20 or 30 years from now? Easy! By examining the previous and existing pyramids, researchers can detect trends or patterns in population growth.

Source: Population Pyramids of Texas 2000 and 2030, U.S. Census.

The pyramids above examine population in the year 2000 and 2030, but wait, 2030 hasn’t even gotten here! Why would this type of pyramid be important? Why would we need this information and how would we use it? 

Activity

Examine the two pyramids closely and answer the following question in your notes.

1. What stage of population growth is Texas experiencing in 2000?
2. Based on the 2030 pyramid, what stage of population growth will Texas experience? Explain your answer and cite three examples.
3. What age/gender group is projected to make the greatest change? Explain your answer and provide support.
4. Information from population pyramids is used by various government agencies and other institutions. Provide an explanation of how the following groups would use the population pyramids
   1. State legislatures
   2. School districts
   3. Home builders and neighborhood developers