Explanation
The series is obtained by alternating between two sequences:
The square of an integer: 1² = 1, 2² = 4, 3² = 9, 4² = 16, 5² = 25
A number decreased by 2: 9 - 2 = 7, 36 - 2 = (not needed in this case)
So, the next term in the series would be:
5² = 25
The correct answer is: 25.