Question

During the Tang dynasty, China’s population was about 60 million. During the Song, the farmers of China fed a country of more than 100 million people.
Which of the following is the best reason for the dramatic population increase?
a.
Song rulers promoted large families in order to increase the size of their armies.
b.
Agricultural advances, such as fast-ripening rice and the cultivation of more land, made food plentiful.
c.
Conquered people from outside territories relocated to China.
d.
Medical advancements helped cure deadly diseases and made people healthier.

Answer 1

The population of China doubled in size during the 9th, 10th and 11th centuries. This growth was made possible by expanded rice cultivation in central and southern Song, the use of early-ripening rice from south-east and southern Asia, and the production of widespread food surpluses.