Question

The age structure of population refers to:

• A. the number of live births per 1000 women in the child-bearing age group
• B. the number of deaths of babies before the age of one year per 1000 live births
• C. the proportion of persons in the different age groups relative to the total population.
• D. the number of females per 1000 males in a given area at a specified time period.

Hint:

Age structure is the share of each age group in the total population.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Age structure tells us how a population is spread across age groups, such as children, working age adults and the old. It is usually given as a share of the total population.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Match each option with a standard demographic term. Then pick the one that is about age groups as a share of the whole population.

Step 3: Check option 1:
The number of live births per 1000 women in the child-bearing age group is the fertility rate. It is about births, not about age groups. So option 1 is wrong.

Step 4: Check option 2:
The number of deaths of babies before the age of one year per 1000 live births is the infant mortality rate. It is about deaths of infants. So option 2 is wrong.

Step 5: Check option 3:
The proportion of persons in the different age groups relative to the total population is exactly what age structure means. So option 3 is correct.

Step 6: Check option 4:
The number of females per 1000 males is the sex ratio. It is about gender balance, not age. So option 4 is wrong.

Step 7: Final Answer:
Age structure means the share of people in each age group in the total population. This is option 3. \[ \boxed{\text{Option 3}} \]