Which of the following statements are true with respect to stationary and stable population?
(i) A stationary population is not always stable. (ii) A stationary population is always stable. (iii) A stable population need not be stationary. (iv) In stationary population, the rate of overall change in the population is zero. (v) In stable population, the rate of overall change in population is constant (not necessarily zero).
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

Correct option is C

1. Statement (A): "A stationary population is not always stable." This statement is FALSE. A stationary population, by definition, has both zero growth rate and a stable age distribution, making it always stable.
2. Statement (B): "A stationary population is always stable." This statement is TRUE. A stationary population has a zero growth rate and a constant age distribution, fulfilling the condition for stability.
3. Statement (C): "A stable population need not be stationary." This statement is TRUE. A stable population has a constant age distribution but can still be growing or declining, meaning it doesn't need to have zero growth.
4. Statement (D): "In stationary population, the rate of overall change in the population is zero." This statement is TRUE. In a stationary population, the birth rate equals the death rate, resulting in zero population growth.
5. Statement (E): "In stable population, the rate of overall change in population is constant (not necessarily zero)." This statement is TRUE. A stable population maintains a constant growth rate, which could be positive, negative, or zero.
Therefore, the correct answer is B, C, D, and E only.
Information Booster 1. Stationary Population:
· Constant population size.
· Birth rate equals death rate.
· Zero growth rate.
2. Stable Population:
· Consistent age distribution over time.
· Growth rate can be positive, negative, or zero.
3. Key Differences:
· Stationary: Zero population growth.
· Stable: Constant age distribution regardless of growth rate.
4. Real-world Example:
· Stationary: A country where births equal deaths.
· Stable: A country with a consistent age structure, even if growing or declining.
Additional Knowledge · (a) A stationary population is not always stable: False, stationary populations are by definition stable.
· (b) A stationary population is always stable: True, as stationary implies a stable age distribution.
· (c) A stable population need not be stationary: True, as growth rate can vary while maintaining age distribution.
· (d) In stationary population, the rate of overall change is zero: True, no net population change.
· (E) In stable population, the rate of overall change is constant: True, growth or decline remains consistent.