During Stage One of the demographic transition, which statement best describes birth and death rates?

• A. Death rate is higher than birth rate
• B. Both rates are very low
• C. Birth rate and death rate are more or less balanced
• D. Birth rate is higher than death rate

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of Stage One of the demographic transition, the pre-industrial period. In this stage both birth rates and death rates are high, and they are roughly similar, so the overall population grows slowly or remains stable. That balance—high but comparable fertility and mortality—explains why the statement that birth and death rates are more or less balanced is the best description. If death exceeded birth, the population would fall; if birth exceeded death, it would rise more rapidly; and when both rates are very low, that describes later stages of modernization, not Stage One.