A developed country with constant population shows which shape of the age-sex pyramid?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Bell shape and tapered top
The shape of an age-sex pyramid shows the character of a population. When birth and death rates are almost equal, the population stays nearly constant. Australia is an example of a constant population.
Option (1) Triangle — Incorrect. A triangular pyramid with a wide base shows an expanding population, typical of less developed countries such as Nigeria.
Option (2) Inverse Triangle shaped — Incorrect. A narrow base shows low birth rates. Japan’s pyramid, with a narrow base and a tapered top, shows a declining population. It is not bell shaped like the pyramid of a constant population.
Option (3) Bell shape and tapered top — Correct. Australia’s pyramid is bell shaped and tapered towards the top, which shows a near constant population.
Option (4) Circular shape and tapered top — Incorrect. There is no such shape of an age-sex pyramid.
Note: This question is taken from the pre-rationalised NCERT book. The latest edition (2026-27) does not have this part. An extract of the pre-rationalised NCERT book is given below for the benefit of students.
Pre-rationalised NCERT: “Constant Population Australia’s age-sex pyramid is bell shaped and tapered towards the top. This shows birth and death rates are almost equal leading to a near constant population.”
Fig. 3.2: Constant Population |
