What demographic change occurs when an economy develops?

The correct choice highlights a significant aspect of demographic change that accompanies economic development. As an economy develops, there is typically a shift in both mortality and fertility rates. Initially, in less developed economies, high birth rates and high death rates are common due to limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and education. However, as an economy grows and develops, improvements in healthcare and living conditions lead to lower mortality rates, especially among infants and children.

At the same time, fertility rates often decline as families prioritize smaller family sizes due to increased opportunities for women, better access to education and contraceptives, and the changing economic landscape. This dual shift leads to a more balanced age structure as fewer young people are born, and life expectancy increases, contributing to an overall demographic transition.

In contrast to this correct answer, other options either misrepresent typical demographic trends associated with economic development or do not accurately capture the complexity of demographic changes. For instance, a decrease in life expectancy contradicts the expected improvements that come with development, while an increase in the youth population does not align with the trend of declining birth rates. Stagnation of population growth might occur in the later stages of development but is not a foundational change tied directly to the early stages of economic growth