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Fertility and Demography – Anthropology Optional PYQs (1995–2026)

Here are all 22 Fertility and Demography questions asked in UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 3 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.

Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.

11.1] Bioevents and fertility

8 questions

  1. Write a short note on: Evolutionary significance of menopause. [2025/10m/150w/5b]

  2. Write a short note on: Menopausal symptoms. [2023/10m/150w/5d]

  3. Critically evaluate the reasons of reduction in age at menarche in human females over the successive generations. [2022/15m/6c]

  4. Write a short note on: Age at menarche. [2017/10m/150w/5d]

  5. Write a short note on: Menopause and its impact. [2015/10m/150w/5d]

  6. Discuss the relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility. [2014/15m/7c]

  7. Write a short note on: Bioevent of fertility. [2008/20m/200w/5d]

  8. Write a short note on: Menarche and Menopause. [2001/20m/R6]

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11.2] Demographic theories

4 questions

  1. Discuss the contemporary population problems in the light of various socio-cultural demographic theories. [2022/20m/8a]

  2. Critically examine the demographic and epidemiological consequences with rise in food production and sedentism. [2020/15m/3b]

  3. Write a short note on: Demographic transition. [2013/10m/150w/5e]

  4. Write a short note on: Demographic Transition. [2007/20m/R7]

11.3] Factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality

10 questions

  1. What do you understand by fertility and mortality? How are these influenced by biological and socio-ecological factors? [2026/15m/7b]

  2. Discuss the bio-social determinants of fertility and fecundity. [2021/15m/7b]

  3. Discuss the bio-cultural factors influencing fertility in light of the relationship between fecundity and fertility. [2019/15m/8b]

  4. Define fecundity and explain major factors affecting fecundity in Indian populations. [2018/15m/8b]

  5. Describe the biological and socio-ecological factors affecting fertility and mortality. [2017/15m/7c]

  6. Write a short note on: Fertility and Fecundity. [2016/10m/150w/5d]

  7. Write a short note on: Fertility and Fecundity. [2014/10m/150w/5e]

  8. Distinguish between the terms ‘fecundity’ and ‘fertility’. Are the factors influencing them distinguishable? Discuss. [2010/30m/4b]

  9. Write a short note on: Life-Table. [2006/20m/R4]

  10. Discuss the biological and socioecological factors influencing fertility and mortality. [2005/60m/R12]

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Back to: Anthropology Optional PYQs – Topic-wise | Also see: Anthropology Optional year-wise question papers

Last updated: 30 October 2026