Question

_________ is a characteristic of the second/transitional stage in population growth of society.
(I) High death rate and population explosion
(II) Population explosion
(III) Low sex ratio
(IV) High maternal mortality rate

• A. Only (I)
• B. Only (II)
• C. (II) and (III)
• D. Only (IV)

Hint:

To remember the demographic transition stages easily, think of: Stage 1 &\implies High Births - High Deaths = Low Growth
Stage 2 &\implies High Births - Low Deaths = Population Explosion
Stage 3 &\implies Low Births - Low Deaths = Low/Stable Growth

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Theory of Demographic Transition:
The Theory of Demographic Transition maps the historical population growth of societies as they transition from agrarian to industrial structures. It consists of three primary stages:
• First Stage (Underdeveloped/Pre-industrial): High birth rates and high death rates. The population growth is low and stable because epidemics and poor health infrastructure keep the mortality rate high.
• Second Stage (Transitional): High birth rates but rapidly declining death rates. The decline in death rates is driven by improved sanitation, healthcare, and food supply. This creates a massive gap between births and deaths, leading to a population explosion.
• Third Stage (Fully Developed/Industrial): Low birth rates and low death rates. The population growth stabilizes at a low level.

Step 2: Identifying the Correct Characteristic:
Based on the transition stages, the hallmark of the second stage is a rapid drop in mortality while fertility remains high, causing a population explosion. Option (I) is incorrect because the second stage has a low/declining death rate, not a high death rate. Options (III) and (IV) are structural issues related to gender inequality and poor healthcare, but are not defining macro-demographic characteristics of the second transition stage. Thus, only (II) is correct.

Step 3: Selecting the Option:
Since statement (II) is the only correct characteristic of the second stage, the correct option is (B).