Question

In a growing population of a country,

• A. pre-reproductive individuals are less than the reproductive individuals.
• B. pre-reproductive individuals are more than the reproductive individuals.
• C. reproductive and pre-reproductive individuals are equal in number.
• D. reproductive individuals are less than the post-reproductive individuals.

Hint:

The individuals in a population can be divided into three age groups: pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive age groups. The triangular-shaped graph is observed in developing countries as the pre-reproductive population is more there. 

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question relates to the structure of a growing population and its age distribution. To determine which statement accurately describes a growing population, we need to understand population dynamics in demographic terms.

In a growing population, the key factor is the ratio of different age groups: pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive.

Explanation:

• Pre-reproductive individuals: These are young individuals who have not yet reached the age of reproduction. This group includes children and adolescents.
• Reproductive individuals: These individuals are in the age group that is capable of reproduction. Typically, this includes most young and middle-aged adults.
• Post-reproductive individuals: These are older adults who are generally beyond the age of reproduction.

For a population to grow, there must be a larger base of younger individuals who will eventually enter the reproductive age group. This translates to having more pre-reproductive individuals than reproductive ones.

Reasoning: When there are more pre-reproductive individuals, it indicates that more individuals will soon move into the reproductive phase, contributing to future growth. If a population had fewer pre-reproductive individuals, it might lead to a stable or declining population in the future as fewer individuals would be moving into reproductive age.

Correct Answer:

The correct description of a growing population is that the pre-reproductive individuals are more than the reproductive individuals. This ensures the continuity and potential increase in population size over time.

Therefore, the correct option is: pre-reproductive individuals are more than the reproductive individuals.