The correct answer is: D) Below replacement level.
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime if she were to experience the exact current age-specific fertility rates through her lifetime.
The TFR in Karnataka is 1.8, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. This means that, on average, women in Karnataka are having fewer children than are needed to replace themselves. This is a trend that is being seen in many parts of the world, as women have more opportunities for education and employment, and as access to contraception increases.
A low TFR can have a number of consequences, including an aging population, a smaller workforce, and a decline in economic growth. However, it can also lead to a number of benefits, such as a decrease in poverty, a decrease in environmental impact, and a more equal distribution of resources.
It is important to note that the TFR is just one indicator of population change. Other factors, such as migration and mortality, also play a role. The TFR is a useful tool for understanding population trends, but it is important to use it in conjunction with other data to get a complete picture.