At what rates are food production and the human population growing?

The most accurate assessment of the growth rates of food production and the human population is that food production is growing at a linear rate while the human population is growing exponentially.

Historically, food production has increased largely through advances in agricultural practices, technology, and improved efficiencies, which tend to enhance output in a steady, linear manner over time. This means that food production tends to increase by a consistent amount with each passing year, reflective of advancements and investments in agriculture.

In contrast, the human population has been experiencing exponential growth, particularly since the 20th century. This exponential growth is characterized by a rapid increase where the population grows at a rate proportional to its current size, leading to faster increases as the base number of individuals grows. Consequently, the disparity between the linear increase in food production and the exponential increase in the human population leads to concerns regarding food security and sustainability.

Thus, this understanding illustrates the dynamics between these two variables effectively, supporting the reasoning behind the chosen answer.