Q. Consider the following statement(s) related to the reasons for low sex ratio.
I. High maternal mortality.
II. Sex selective female abortions.
III. Change in sex ratio at birth.
Code:
a) Only I
b) I & II
c) II & III
d) I, II & III
Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024
Correct Answer: b) I & II
Explanation:
I. High maternal mortality – TRUE
– This directly reduces the number of females in the population
– Maternal deaths decrease the adult female population, affecting the overall sex ratio
II. Sex selective female abortions – TRUE
– This directly impacts sex ratio by preventing female births
– Common in societies with son preference
III. Change in sex ratio at birth – FALSE
– Natural sex ratio at birth is relatively constant (approximately 105 males to 100 females)
– This biological ratio is fairly stable and isn’t a reason for low sex ratio
– What affects sex ratio are human interventions (like sex-selective abortions) rather than natural changes in birth sex ratio
Therefore, only statements I and II are correct reasons for low sex ratio.
