Which of the following developments would most strongly indicate that a society has entered the transitional stage of demographic transition?

Death rates decline rapidly while reproductive behaviour continues to reflect earlier conditions of high mortality.

The correct answer is Option 2: Death rates decline rapidly while reproductive behaviour continues to reflect earlier conditions of high mortality.

The transitional stage is characterised by a rapid decline in mortality due to improvements in health, sanitation, and nutrition. Birth rates remain relatively high because social attitudes and reproductive behaviour take longer to change. This creates rapid population growth.

Option 1: Birth rates and death rates are both high, producing slow population growth. Incorrect. This describes the first stage of demographic transition.

Option 2: Death rates decline rapidly while reproductive behaviour continues to reflect earlier conditions of high mortality. Correct. This is the defining feature of the transitional stage.

Option 3: Birth rates decline below death rates, causing population contraction. Incorrect. This is not one of the three stages discussed in the theory.

Option 4: Birth rates and death rates stabilise at low levels, producing slow population growth. Incorrect. This describes the third stage.