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Multiple Choice
Which of the following measures the age distribution of individuals in a population?
A
Birth rate
B
Population density
C
Age structure
D
Carrying capacity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of 'age structure' in biology. Age structure refers to the distribution of individuals of different ages within a population. It provides insights into the population's growth potential, reproductive capacity, and survival rates.
Step 2: Compare 'age structure' with the other options provided. Birth rate measures the number of births per unit time in a population, population density refers to the number of individuals per unit area, and carrying capacity is the maximum population size an environment can sustain. None of these directly measure the age distribution.
Step 3: Recognize that 'age structure' is the correct term because it specifically addresses the age distribution of individuals in a population, which is crucial for understanding demographic trends and predicting population dynamics.
Step 4: Consider examples of age structure, such as a population pyramid, which visually represents the proportion of individuals in different age groups (e.g., children, adults, elderly). This helps in analyzing population health and future growth.
Step 5: Apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios, such as studying the age structure of human populations to predict economic impacts, healthcare needs, or environmental pressures.