16. What is the likely impact of the numerical change by 2050 of the total population on the eventual shape of Japan's populatio
n pyramid? (A) Since the impact will be gradual over a 40-year period, the 2050 population pyramid likely will not change. (B) Because of low birth rates over many years, by 2050 Japan will likely attain a column-shaped population pyramid. (C) Owing to the large numbers of pregnancies in the growing reproductive-age cohorts, in 2050 the population pyramid will likely have the shape of a pentagon. (D) Because of an increasing death rate due to an older population, in 2050 the population pyramid will likely have the shape of an equilateral triangle. (E) Because of low birth rates over many years, the 2050 population pyramid will likely be an inverted pyramid.