Question

The age structure of a population influences population growth because
A. Younger females have more offspring than older females do
B. Different age groups have different reproductive capabilities
C. More is the number of immature individuals, slower is the growth of population
D. A short generation time results in slower population growth

Answer 1

Hint: Population can be referred to as the group of individuals belonging to the same species. The number of individuals varies in the given population from time to time. This changing nature of the population is called population dynamics.

Complete answer:
India is the second-largest population in the world after China. The total number of individuals that acquire a particular geographical location in a unit area is called population density. There are many factors that affect the density of the population such as food, migration (emigration or immigration), climate, and the age group of individuals.
Depending upon age groups population can be classified as-
1. Growing population
2. Steady population
3. Declining population
The growing population consists of people from pre-reproductive age groups. Steady consists of an equal number of post and pre-reproductive age groups. The declining population consists of a large number of individuals of the post-reproductive age group. Different age groups find their extreme importance in population dynamics because all of them are distinct in their reproductive capabilities and thus will determine to which population group the country will belong.
Hence, the correct answer for the given question option (B).

Note: The study of statistical and quantitative aspects of the human population is called demography. The growing population has an upright pyramid shape whereas the declining population has an inverted pyramid. If the growth rate is more, the density increases, and vice versa. The major deciding factor for population density is natality and mortality i.e. growth rate. Age structure allows us to predict the population growth and its ability in regards to growth with respect to economic development.