Solution to Extended Learning 3 of Class 8 Science Chapter 7 Reaching the Age of Adolescence

3. In our country, according to 2011 census, there are 940 adolescent females for every 1000 males. Find out.

(a) the concerns of the community regarding this low ratio. Remember that the chance of having a boy or a girl is equal.

(b) what amniocentesis is and how useful this technique is. Why is its use for identification of sex of the unborn child banned in India?

Answer:

(a) The concerns of the community regarding this low ratio are that:

There will be an increased competition for brides.
It shows that women are not appreciated and this might lead to more of such behaviour.
A lower number of women can lead to increased exploitation and violence against women.
There will be economic implications as women play crucial roles in various sectors.

(b) Amniocentesis is a medical procedure by which a sample of the fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus is taken during pregnancy. This fluid contains cells shed by the fetus and is used to see if the baby has certain health conditions or birth defects. In cases where health conditions are detected, appropriate medical interventions are planned.

Its use for identification of sex of the unborn child is banned in India to reduce sex-selective abortions in case a girl child is detected. This measure seeks to address societal concerns regarding skewed gender ratio by preventing gender detection prior to birth. It was worked well to preserve the lives of female children in certain parts of our society.

“In our country, according to 2011 census, there are 940 adolescent females for every 1000 males. Find out.
(a) the concerns of the community regarding this low ratio. Remember that the chance of having a boy or a girl is equal.
(b) what amniocentesis is and how useful this technique is. Why is its use for identification of sex of the unborn child banned in India?” – Solved.