Less-economically developed countries will experience higher birth rates than more-economically developed countries due to

A. decreased availability of sanitary water.

B. higher infant mortality rate.

C. higher literacy rate of women.

D. increased availability of contraceptives.

I think b

Yes.

C. High infant mortality rate

The correct answer is B. higher infant mortality rate.

Explanation:
In less-economically developed countries, there tend to be higher birth rates due to several factors. One of these factors is the higher infant mortality rate. In countries with lower economic development, healthcare systems, and access to medical facilities are often inadequate. As a result, infant mortality rates are higher, meaning more babies do not survive their first year of life.

In such situations, families have more children as a way to compensate for the possibility of losing some to illness or other adverse circumstances. Having many children increases the chances of at least some surviving to adulthood and being able to support the family economically in the future. This drives up the birth rates in less-economically developed countries.

Factors A, C, and D do not directly explain the higher birth rates in less-economically developed countries. Decreased availability of sanitary water (option A) may affect overall health conditions but does not significantly affect birth rates. The higher literacy rate of women (option C) may actually lead to a decrease in birth rates, as educated women tend to have more knowledge about family planning and reproductive health. Increased availability of contraceptives (option D) would also likely lead to a decrease in birth rates, as couples would have more control over having children.