What can you conclude about steel consumption and population size in 1850?

(1 point)
• The population was around 100 billion and steel consumption began.
• The population was around 100 million and steel consumption began.
• Steel consumption was around 100 billion and the population was beginning to grow.
• Steel consumption was around 100 million and the population was beginning to grow.

The correct conclusion is: The population was around 100 million and steel consumption began.

Based on the given options, the most reasonable conclusion would be:

• The population was around 100 million and steel consumption began.

This indicates that the population size in 1850 was approximately 100 million and steel consumption had started.

To determine the answer, we can analyze the information provided:

1. The population of 100 billion is not a plausible value for 1850. The estimated world population in 1850 was around 1.2 billion.

2. The population of 100 million is a more reasonable estimate for 1850.

3. Steel consumption beginning at around 100 billion is unlikely as it is an exceedingly high amount given the context of the time period.

4. Therefore, the most logical conclusion is that steel consumption was around 100 million and the population was beginning to grow.