Statement 1: Kerala consistently has a higher sex ratio (females per 1000 males) than the national average, often exceeding 1000. This statement is correct. Statement 2: In Kerala, as in most parts of the world, the life expectancy of females is higher than that of males. This statement is correct. Higher life expectancy for females contributes to a larger proportion of females in older age groups, which in turn increases the overall sex ratio of the population. Thus, Statement 2 explains, at least partially, Statement 1.