Anthropology Optional · Paper I · General Anthropology
Bioevents, Fertility and Demography Notes · PYQs
Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Bioevents, Fertility and Demography (Anthropology Optional Paper I, Unit 11), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Menarche, menopause and other bioevents; fertility patterns; demographic theories; factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality.
2
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24
Questions listed
16
Asked since 2013
1986–2026
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Official UPSC syllabus
Bioevents, Fertility and Demography: syllabus
The syllabus text as UPSC notifies it for Paper I of Anthropology Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to these lines. Full Paper I and Paper II syllabus.
11.1 Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bioevents to fertility. Fertility patterns and differentials.
11.2 Demographic theories-biological, social and cultural.
11.3 Biological and socio-ecological factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality.
Paper I · Unit 11
Bioevents, Fertility and Demography notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order, written for UPSC Mains with diagrams, key terms and the previous year questions of each topic. Read a topic, then practise its questions below.
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Previous year questions: Bioevents, Fertility and Demography
All 24 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1986 and 2026, grouped by syllabus sub-topic, newest first. Questions from 2013 onwards (the current pattern) are shown in full; earlier ones open on a tap.
How often UPSC asks each sub-topic
| Sub-topic | Questions | Since 2013 | Last asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11.1 Menarche, menopause and other bioevents; fertility patterns | 8 | 6 | 2025 |
| 11.2 Demographic theories | 7 | 3 | 2022 |
| 11.3 Factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality | 9 | 7 | 2026 |
11.1 Menarche, menopause and other bioevents; fertility patterns
8 questions · 6 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Bioevents, Fertility and Mortality
Asked since 2013 · 6
2025Write notes on: Evolutionary significance of menopause.2023Write notes on: Menopausal symptoms.2022Critically evaluate the reasons of reduction in age at menarche in human females over the successive generations.2017Write a note in 150 words on Age at menarche.2015Write a note in 150 words on Menopause and its impact.2014Discuss the relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility.
Show 2 earlier questions (before 2013)
2001–2012 · 2 questions
2008Write a note on Bioevent of fertility.2001Write a note on Menarche and Menopause.
11.2 Demographic theories
7 questions · 3 since 2013 · last asked 2022
Read the notes: Demographic Theories
Asked since 2013 · 3
2022Discuss the contemporary population problems in the light of various socio-cultural demographic theories.2018Do Allen’s rule and Bergmann’s rule hold for human populations ? Explain with examples.2013Write a note in 150 words on Demographic transition.
Show 4 earlier questions (before 2013)
1986–2012 · 4 questions
2007Write a note on Demographic Transition.1999Discuss the different theories which explain social and cultural changes.1994Discuss the racial classification of Indian population as per B.S. Guba. Mention the criticism propounded by other anthropologists.1986Give a brief account of classification of Indian population as suggested by B.S. Guba, Critically examine his classification.
11.3 Factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality
9 questions · 7 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Bioevents, Fertility and Mortality
Asked since 2013 · 7
2026What do you understand by fertility and mortality? How are these influenced by biological and socio-ecological factors?2021Discuss the bio-social determinants of fertility and fecundity.2019Discuss the bio-cultural factors influencing fertility in light of the relationship between fecundity and fertility.2018Define fecundity and explain major factors affecting fecundity in Indian populations.2017Describe the biological and socio- ecological factors affecting fertility and mortality.2016Write a note in 150 words on Fertility and Fecundity.2014Write a note in 150 words on Fertility and Fecundity.
Show 2 earlier questions (before 2013)
2005–2012 · 2 questions
2010Distinguish between the terms ‘fecundity’ and ‘fertility’. Are the factors influencing them distinguishable? Discuss.2005Discuss the biological and socioecological factors influencing fertility and mortality. :.
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Human Growth and Development
Stages of growth; factors affecting growth and development; ageing and senescence; physique and somatotypes; methods of growth study.
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Applications of Anthropology
Sports and nutritional anthropology; anthropology in equipment design; forensic anthropology; applied human genetics; statistical methods.
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