UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

In the demographic transition model,the early expanding stage is characterised by continued high birth rates coupled with a sharp decline in death rates. This combination produces a wide gap between births and deaths and results in rapid population growth. The description in the question mirrors these features. Therefore the correct term is early expanding stage.

Option A:
The high stationary stage is the initial phase of demographic transition with both high birth and high death rates,leading to relatively stable population size. It does not involve rapidly falling death rates,so it does not match the situation described in the stem.

Option B:
The early expanding stage reflects improvements in healthcare,sanitation and food supply that reduce mortality while fertility remains high. This creates the explosive growth pattern mentioned in the question. Hence this option accurately names the stage being described.

Option C:
The late expanding stage features declining birth rates along with already low death rates,so the growth rate begins to slow. It does not show the very high growth caused by the large gap between births and deaths. Thus it is not appropriate for the stem.

Option D:
The declining stage is the final phase in which both birth and death rates are low and the population may stabilise or even shrink. This is the opposite of the rapid growth scenario described in the question.