population explosion

noun

1. the rapid increase in numbers of a particular species, especially in the world's human population since the end of World War II, attributed to an accelerating birthrate, a decrease in infant mortality, and an increase in life expectancy.

population explosion

noun

1. a rapid increase in the size of a population caused by such factors as a sudden decline in infant mortality or an increase in life expectancy

Word History and Origins

Origin of population explosion¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

With the expansion of the area’s wetlands in 2021, it saw a population explosion.

From Science Magazine

Authorities have tried various approaches to curb the population explosion in Colombia's main river, the Magdalena, including sterilisation and transferring individuals to zoos abroad.

From BBC

She argues, for example, that the feeding practice pioneered by Morgie led to the adoption of wet nurses in ancient cities like Babylon and Thebes, which allowed for the population explosion necessary for humanity to conquer the globe.

From Salon

Beasley attributes the population explosion to a few explanations, including humans illegally moving wild pigs to the areas where hunting them is legal year-round, as well as to warmer climates in recent decades.

From Science Daily

Their absence disrupted predator-and-prey relationships throughout the nation and resulted in a population explosion of deer and elk.

From Los Angeles Times