A population with a larger proportion of post- reproductive individuals is likely to

Options

A. grow at a faster rate
B. remain stable for a long time
C. decline in course of time
D. have more nutulity than mortality

Answer

To answer the question "A population with a larger proportion of post-reproductive individuals is likely to," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Population Structure**:
- A population can be divided into three categories based on age: pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive individuals.
- The proportion of individuals in these categories can indicate the growth potential of the population.

2. **Identifying the Implications of Post-Reproductive Individuals**:
- A larger proportion of post-reproductive individuals means that there are more individuals who are beyond their reproductive age.
- This suggests that fewer individuals are available to contribute to the next generation.

3. **Analyzing Population Growth Patterns**:
- **Triangular Pyramid**: Indicates a high number of pre-reproductive individuals, suggesting rapid growth.
- **Bell-Shaped Pyramid**: Indicates a balance between pre-reproductive and post-reproductive individuals, suggesting stability.
- **Inverse Pyramid (or Arm-Shaped)**: Indicates a higher number of post-reproductive individuals compared to pre-reproductive individuals, suggesting a decline in population.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Given that a population with a larger proportion of post-reproductive individuals has fewer individuals capable of reproduction, it is likely to experience a decline over time. This is because the birth rate will decrease while the death rate may remain constant or increase, leading to a net loss in population size.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct answer is that a population with a larger proportion of post-reproductive individuals is likely to **decline in the course of time**.