The correct answer is: c) Slowing down.
Meghalaya’s population growth rate has been slowing down in recent decades. In the 1970s, the population growth rate was 2.7%. In the 1980s, it was 2.5%. In the 1990s, it was 2.3%. And in the 2000s, it was 2.1%.
There are a number of reasons for this slowdown. One reason is that the fertility rate in Meghalaya has been declining. In the 1970s, the average woman in Meghalaya had 5.5 children. In the 1980s, it was 5.2 children. In the 1990s, it was 4.9 children. And in the 2000s, it was 4.6 children.
Another reason for the slowdown in population growth is that the mortality rate in Meghalaya has been declining. In the 1970s, the average life expectancy in Meghalaya was 52 years. In the 1980s, it was 55 years. In the 1990s, it was 58 years. And in the 2000s, it was 61 years.
The combination of a declining fertility rate and a declining mortality rate has led to a slowdown in population growth in Meghalaya.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- a) Sharp increase. This option is incorrect because the population growth rate in Meghalaya has been slowing down in recent decades.
- b) Steady increase. This option is incorrect because the population growth rate in Meghalaya has been slowing down in recent decades.
- c) Slowing down. This option is correct because the population growth rate in Meghalaya has been slowing down in recent decades.
- d) Stagnation. This option is incorrect because the population growth rate in Meghalaya has been slowing down in recent decades.