Which of the following characterizes a Stage 3 population?
a. produces many offspring
b. lives in rural areas
c. experiences a sharp increase in crude death rate
d. consists primarily of urban dwellers***
Apparently no one is up-to-date on these stages, but, of the choices, I'd say you're probably correct.
The answer is option c. A Stage 3 population is characterized by a sharp increase in crude death rate.
To arrive at this answer, it is helpful to understand the concept of population stages. Population stages help describe the patterns of population growth and decline in different countries. These stages are usually associated with the demographic transition model, which categorizes countries based on their population growth and economic development.
In Stage 3 of the demographic transition model, a country experiences significant changes in birth and death rates due to social, economic, and technological factors. In this stage, birth rates tend to decline as a result of improved access to family planning, increased education for women, and urbanization.
However, the answer choices presented may be a bit misleading. Let's look at the other options:
a. Produces many offspring: This is not specifically characteristic of Stage 3 populations. While birth rates may decline in this stage, it does not necessarily mean that a Stage 3 population produces fewer offspring. Some countries in Stage 3 may still have relatively high birth rates.
b. Lives in rural areas: This is not a characteristic specific to Stage 3 populations. The level of urbanization can vary depending on various factors such as industrialization, economic development, and government policies.
c. Experiences a sharp increase in crude death rate: This is a characteristic that aligns with Stage 3 populations. During this stage, the decline in birth rates is often accompanied by a decline in death rates, but the former decline may not be as rapid as the decline in death rates. As a result, the crude death rate may initially experience a sharp increase.
d. Consists primarily of urban dwellers: This option is incorrect. Stage 3 populations may have a mix of urban and rural dwellers. Urbanization generally increases in Stage 3, but it does not mean that the population consists primarily of urban dwellers.
Therefore, the correct answer is c. A Stage 3 population characteristically experiences a sharp increase in crude death rate.