The age structures of a population influences population growth because

Options

A. younger females have more offsprings than do older females
B. different ae groups have different reproductive capabilities
C. more is the number of immature individuals, slower is the growth of population
D. a shorter generation time results is slower population growth.

Explanation

To answer the question about how the age structures of a population influence population growth, we can break down the explanation into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Age Structure**:
- Age structure refers to the distribution of individuals of different ages within a population. It is typically divided into three main categories: pre-reproductive (young individuals), reproductive (individuals capable of reproduction), and post-reproductive (older individuals).

2. **Identifying Key Age Groups**:
- The pre-reproductive age group consists of children and adolescents who will eventually enter the reproductive age group.
- The reproductive age group includes individuals who can contribute to population growth through reproduction.
- The post-reproductive age group includes older individuals who can no longer contribute to population growth.

3. **Impact on Population Growth**:
- The growth of a population is primarily influenced by the reproductive age group. A larger number of individuals in this group means a higher potential for births, which contributes to population growth.
- If there are many individuals in the pre-reproductive age group, they will soon transition into the reproductive age group, further increasing the population size in the future.

4. **Analyzing Options**:
- When looking at the options provided in the question:
- Option A states that younger females have more offspring than older females. While this is true, it does not encompass the entire population's age structure.
- Option B states that different age groups have different reproductive capabilities. This is the most accurate statement as it reflects the importance of the reproductive age group in population growth.
- Option C claims that more immature individuals lead to slower growth, which is incorrect. More immature individuals (pre-reproductive) actually indicate potential future growth.
- Option D suggests that shorter generation times result in slower population growth, which is also incorrect; shorter generation times usually lead to faster growth.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is Option B: Different age groups have different reproductive capabilities, which directly influences how a population will grow or decline over time.