In a growing population of a country, the distribution of individuals across different age groups can provide insights into population dynamics. Which of the following statements accurately describes the age composition in such a population?

The number of pre-reproductive individuals is greater than the number of reproductive individuals.

In a growing population of a country, the distribution of individuals across different age groups is an important factor to consider. In this context, the given options can be explained as follows:

(a) reproductive and pre-reproductive individuals are equal in number: This option suggests that the number of individuals capable of reproduction (reproductive individuals) is equal to the number of individuals who have not yet reached reproductive age (pre-reproductive individuals). This scenario is unlikely in a growing population because there should be more individuals in the pre-reproductive age group.

(b) reproductive individuals are less than the post-reproductive individuals: This option implies that the number of individuals capable of reproduction is fewer than the number of individuals who have passed the reproductive age (post-reproductive individuals). This situation would indicate a decline in the population growth rate as there are fewer individuals contributing to reproduction.

(c) pre-reproductive individuals are more than the reproductive individuals: This option suggests that the number of individuals who have not yet reached reproductive age is greater than the number of individuals capable of reproduction. In a growing population, this scenario is plausible as it indicates a higher potential for future reproduction and population growth.

(d) pre-reproductive individuals are less than the reproductive individuals: This option implies that the number of individuals who have not yet reached reproductive age is fewer than the number of individuals capable of reproduction. This scenario is unlikely in a growing population as there should be more individuals in the pre-reproductive age group.

Therefore, the most appropriate option for a growing population would be (c) pre-reproductive individuals are more than the reproductive individuals. This indicates that there is a larger pool of individuals who will reach reproductive age in the future, contributing to population growth.