Demographic Transition in Developing Economies

Steps:

• Improved healthcare and living conditions lower death rates by reducing infant mortality and diseases.
• Economic development increases education and women's opportunities, causing birth rates to fall as families plan smaller sizes.
• Better nutrition and skills training raise labor productivity through a healthier, more educated workforce.
• These shifts align with the demographic transition model, where initial death rate drops precede birth rate declines.

Why A is correct:

• In the demographic transition model, development first cuts death rates via healthcare, then birth rates via prosperity, while productivity rises from human capital investment.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Death rates fall, not rise, with better healthcare; productivity increases with development.
• C: Birth rates fall, not rise, as economic gains reduce need for large families; productivity rises.
• D: Both rates fall, not rise; productivity rises but not due to higher mortality.

Final answer: A