A population with a larger proportion of older individuals than younger ones will likely to

Options

A. grow larger and then decline
B. continue to grow larger indefinitely
C. decline
D. not experience a change in population size.

Explanation

To solve the question about a population with a larger proportion of older individuals than younger ones, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Population Structure**:
- A population can be divided into three age categories: pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive.
- Older individuals fall into the post-reproductive category, meaning they can no longer reproduce.

2. **Analyze the Implications of Age Distribution**:
- If there are more older individuals than younger ones, it indicates that there are fewer individuals in the reproductive stage who can contribute to the next generation.

3. **Consider the Reproductive Capacity**:
- Since older individuals cannot reproduce, their presence does not contribute to population growth. Instead, they will eventually die off without leaving behind enough younger individuals to replace them.

4. **Predict Population Trends**:
- With a higher proportion of older individuals, the population is likely to experience a decline over time as these individuals age and die without sufficient younger individuals to sustain the population.

5. **Evaluate Answer Choices**:
- Based on the analysis, the population will likely decline. Therefore, the correct answer is that the population will decline.

### Conclusion:
A population with a larger proportion of older individuals than younger ones will likely decline.

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