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.