Which option correctly relates population growth and dependency ratio?

Correct answer: A very high birth rate can raise the child dependency ratio

The direct answer is A. The dependency ratio compares the dependent population, commonly children and older persons, with the working-age population. A very high birth rate can increase the number and share of children. If the working-age population does not increase at the same pace, each worker or household may have to support more dependants through care, education, and other needs. Option A is correct, although the exact ratio also depends on age distribution, mortality, migration, and the definition of working age. Option B is wrong because birth rate can affect the number of children and therefore child dependency. Option C is wrong because dependency ratio is a demographic relationship, not a measure of land area. Option D is wrong because population growth does not automatically remove dependants or make the ratio zero. Memory cue: dependency depends on age structure, not merely on total population size.