The age distribution of a population is determined by -

Options

A. Timing of birth
B. Timing of death
C. The rate at which the population is growing
D. All

Answer

To determine the age distribution of a population, we need to consider several factors that influence it. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how these factors contribute to age distribution:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Age Distribution**:
- Age distribution refers to the proportion of individuals of different ages within a population. It is often represented in a graphical form known as an age pyramid.

2. **Timing of Birth**:
- The timing of birth affects the number of individuals in different age groups. For instance, if there is a baby boom, the pre-reproductive age group will have a larger proportion.

3. **Timing of Death**:
- The timing of death also plays a crucial role. If there is a high mortality rate in certain age groups, it will reduce the number of individuals in those age categories, thus affecting the overall age distribution.

4. **Rate of Population Growth**:
- The rate at which the population is growing influences age distribution. A rapidly growing population may have a larger proportion of young individuals, while a declining population may have more older individuals.

5. **Combining Factors**:
- All these factors (timing of birth, timing of death, and population growth rate) interact to shape the age distribution of a population. For example, if the number of births is high but deaths are also high, the population may remain stable, whereas if births outnumber deaths significantly, the population will grow.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the age distribution of a population is determined by the timing of birth, timing of death, and the rate at which the population is growing. The correct answer to the question is option 4: all of the above.