2012 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 38: Geography

Consider the following specific stages of demographic transition associated with economic development :

  1. 1.Low birthrate with low death rate
  2. 2.High birthrate with high death rate
  3. 3.High birthrate with low death rate

Select the correct order of the above stages using the codes given below :

a1, 2, 3
b2, 1, 3
c2, 3, 1
d3, 2, 1

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Demographic transition has stages. Stage one: high birth and death rates, so population is stable and low. Stage two: death rates fall with better food and health, but birth rates stay high, so population grows fast. Stage three: birth rates also fall, giving low birth and low death rates and slow growth. The correct order is therefore 2, 3, 1.

  • 1. Low birth with low death rate is the last stage of the three.
  • 2. High birth with high death rate is the first stage.
  • 3. High birth with low death rate is the second stage.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: low birth with low death is the last stage, not the first.
  • (b) Wrong: high birth with low death comes before low birth with low death.
  • (c) Correct: high birth and death, then high birth with low death, then low birth and death.
  • (d) Wrong: it puts the rapid-growth stage first, before the stable early stage.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.