Question

In a country, at any time, the population has the same number of young and mature ones. What type of growth does it reflect?

• A. Expanding
• B. Declining
• C. Stable
• D. S-shaped

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The problem involves understanding the type of population structure in a country where the population has an equal number of young and mature individuals. Let's analyze the options provided: 

1. Expanding: An expanding population typically has more young individuals compared to older individuals. This suggests a pyramid-shaped population structure with a broad base, indicating high birth rates.
2. Declining: A declining population has fewer young individuals and more older individuals. This implies a shrinking base, indicating lower birth rates or higher death rates.
3. Stable: A stable population has roughly equal numbers of young and mature individuals. This reflects a rectangular-shaped age structure, which indicates low birth and death rates and a balanced population growth.
4. S-shaped: The S-shaped term generally refers to logistic growth and not a population structure.

Given the condition that the population has an equal number of young and mature individuals, this describes a Stable population structure. In such a situation, birth rates are balanced with death rates, leading to a constant population size over time.

Answer 2

Understanding Population Growth Types

Population growth can be categorized into different types based on the age distribution and the overall dynamics of the population. The main types include:

• Exponential Growth: This occurs when the population size increases at a constant rate, leading to a J-shaped curve. It is typically seen in ideal conditions with abundant resources and no significant limiting factors.
• Logistic Growth: This type of growth occurs when the population size increases rapidly at first but then levels off as it approaches the carrying capacity of the environment, resulting in an S-shaped curve.
• Stable Growth: This occurs when the population size remains relatively constant over time. The birth and death rates are balanced, and the age distribution is stable.

Analysis of the Given Options

In the given scenario, the population has the same number of young and mature individuals at any time. This indicates that the population is not growing or declining significantly. Instead, it is maintaining a stable age distribution.

• Equal Number of Young and Mature Individuals: This suggests that the birth rate and death rate are balanced. For every individual that reaches maturity, there is a corresponding young individual entering the population.
• No Significant Change Over Time: The population size remains relatively constant, indicating a stable growth pattern.

Conclusion

Based on the given information, the population reflects a stable growth pattern. This type of growth is characterized by a balanced age distribution and a relatively constant population size over time.