Consider the data in Figure 46.8 illustrating the age structure of France and India. In many parts of the world, the average age of reproductive maturity is increasing as humans move from urban to rural environments. Suppose that the current average age of first reproduction is 15 years old in India and 20 years old in France. How would a 5-year increase in the average age of reproductive maturity in both countries be expected to affect the per capita birth rate, and would this effect be greater in France or in India?

Question

Consider the data in Figure 46.8 illustrating the age structure of France and India.  In many parts of the world, the average age of reproductive maturity is increasing as humans move from urban to rural environments. Suppose that the current average age of first reproduction is 15 years old in India and 20 years old in France. How would a 5-year increase in the average age of reproductive maturity in both countries be expected to affect the per capita birth rate, and would this effect be greater in France or in India?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A 5-year increase in the average age of reproductive maturity is expected to decrease the per capita birth rate in both countries, but it would have a greater effect in France because the proportion of individuals of reproductive age is already smaller compared to India. As the age of first reproduction increases, individuals are likely to have fewer children, resulting in a decrease in the per capita birth rate.

Consider the Data in Figure 46