Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question is d. all of these are true, as a declining fertility rate below 2.0 indicates an aging population, a potential decline in population size, and a trend more apparent in highly developed nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A country with a declining fertility rate that is below 2.0 is experiencing several interconnected issues. Firstly, such a country is graying, meaning that the proportion of elderly individuals in the population is increasing due to lower birth rates and longer life expectancies. Secondly, the overall population size is likely declining, as births are not sufficient to replace the existing population. Lastly, this phenomenon is increasingly common in highly developed nations, where economic development, urbanization, and societal changes lead to lower fertility rates. Therefore, the correct answer is d. all of these are true.
As we see in high-income economies which have completed the demographic transition, there is a trend where birth rates decline as nations become more developed. The shift from agricultural to urban lifestyles in rapidly developing countries also contributes to this change as smaller family sizes become the norm in urban settings. This demographic transition poses challenges for labor markets, especially in sectors reliant on younger workforces, such as construction. Moreover, developed countries face increased pressures on healthcare and social services to support an aging population.