Question

In a growing population of a country,

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

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To understand the demographic structure of a growing population, it is essential to consider the distribution of individuals across different age groups: pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive. Here’s a detailed explanation suitable for this question:

1. Pre-Reproductive Individuals:
   • These are typically individuals in the age range below the age of reproduction. In humans, this category generally includes children and adolescents.
   • In a growing population, a larger base of young individuals signifies that the country is likely in an earlier stage of demographic transition with high birth rates.
2. Reproductive Individuals:
   • These individuals are of child-bearing age, contributing directly to the birth rate of the country.
3. Post-Reproductive Individuals:
   • These individuals have surpassed the typical age of reproduction.

Analysis:

For a population to be growing, the number of pre-reproductive individuals (children and young people) must be higher than the number of reproductive individuals. This is because a larger younger population will lead to more people entering the reproductive stage over time, maintaining or increasing the birth rate and thus growing the population.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is that in a growing population, pre-reproductive\ individuals\ are\ more\ than\ the\ reproductive\ individuals. This aligned with standard demographic transition models, where a wider base in the age pyramid relates to population growth.