Which of the following best explains why India's population is projected to continue increasing despite declining fertility rates?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option 3: Population momentum ensures continued growth because a large cohort of women is entering or remains in the reproductive age group.
Even when fertility rates decline, population can continue to grow if a large number of women are in their reproductive years. Since these women collectively give birth to a substantial number of children, the total population continues to increase despite smaller family sizes. This phenomenon is known as population momentum.