Question

Replacement level, the level of fertility at which populations replace themselves, is equal to a total fertility rate of ______.

a) 1.0
b) 2.0
c) 2.5
d) 3.0

Answer 1

The replacement level of fertility is where a population replaces itself, and it's slightly above 2 to account for children who won't reproduce. The closest answer provided is b) 2.0.

Step-by-step explanation:

The replacement level of fertility is the level at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next. It is usually measured with the total fertility rate (TFR), which reflects the average number of children that a woman would have, assuming that the woman lives throughout her childbearing years. To achieve zero population growth (ZPG), women on average must have enough births to replace themselves and their partners. Because some children will not survive to adulthood or will not have children themselves, the replacement level is slightly higher than the number '2' which theoretically represents two parents. Taking into account mortality rates and the reality that not all individuals will reproduce, the correct answer is b) 2.1 for a modern society with low mortality. However, the provided options do not include 2.1. Therefore, the closest correct option available is b) 2.0.