Q 1. Complete the following sentences.
(A) If the birth rate is greater than the death rate then the population ……………..
(i) decreases
(ii) increases
(iii) remains constant
(iv) becomes surplus
(B) People of …………….. age group are included in the productive population
(i) 0 to 14
(ii) 14 to 60
(iii) 15 to 60
(iv) 16 to 59
(C) The spread of modern technology in society is mostly dependent on ……………..
(i) Sex Ratio
(ii) Birth Rate
(iii) Literacy
(iv) Migration
Q 2. Examine the following statements and correct the incorrect ones.
(a) The population density of a region can be understood from its area.
Ans. Incorrect: The population density of a region can be understood from the total population and the area of that region
(b) The quality of population is determined on the basis of literacy.
Ans. Correct.
(c) There is an adverse impact on manpower in the regions of out migration.
Ans. Correct.
(d) Greater economic prosperity indicates the development of a region.
Ans. Correct.
(e) Developing countries have an HDI of 1.
Ans. Incorrect : Highly developed countries have an HDI of 1.
Q 3. Answer in brief.
(a) What are the aspects considered in the structure of population?
Ans. Sex ratio, age structure, occupational structure of the population, area of residence and migration are the aspects considered in the structure of population.
(b) Prepare a list of advantageous and disadvantageous factors, affecting population distribution.
Ans. Advantageous factors: Industrialisation, favourable climate, fertile soil, natural resources, agriculture, industry, urbanisation, transport, markets.
Disadvantageous factors: Political instability, government policies, wars, race, religion, language, customs and traditions.
(c) What are the problems in areas of high population densities?
Ans. The problems in areas of high population densities are:
(1) Lack of open space : High population makes very difficult to get a free space for a new habitat.
(2) Pollution : Pollution is the main social problem faced due to the areas which have high population densities. For eg – Land pollution, water pollution and air pollution.
(3) Lacks storage of water facility : The higher population needs more amount of water and storage capacity which lacks in these areas.
(4) Overcrowded: The areas with higher population are overcrowded which pollutes the atmosphere and environment.
(d) What are the problems in area of low population densities?
Ans. The problems in area of low population densities are:
(1) Lack of advanced technology: The areas with low population density will have the problem of low technological advancement.
(2) Low level of agricultural production : Even if the land is fertile there will be less production because of lack of human inhabitants.
(3) Low level of transportation facility : There will be less transportation and communication facility in these regions. These developments will not take place because of low population density.
Q 4. Give Geographical Reasons.
(a) Population is an important resource.
Ans. (1) Population as a resource is important for the economic, social and cultural development of any country. (2) People are necessary to develop the economy and the society. They not only make use of resources, but are a resource themselves. Also, the quality of population is important rather than just numbers. (3) The percentage of literacy, sex ratio and age groups, health, educational levels, etc. are also considered while thinking of population as a resource.
(b) Productive population is an important group.
Ans. (1) In India, the productive population is the population between the ages 15 and 59. (2) This group of people are active in service and business and directly participate in the economic activities of a region. (3) In regions where the proportion of this population is more, especially youth, development is rapid.
(c) The study of age structures is important.
Ans. (1) The study of age structure is useful for the projection of population and for understanding the dynamics of the age structure arrangement. (2) Similarly, it also helps in understanding the proportion of active and dependent population. Hence , the study of age structures is important.
(d) Literacy is directly related to development.
Ans. (1) In a country, the percentage of literacy shows the quality of the population. (2) Literacy is an indicator of the social and economic development of a society. (3) If the percentage of literacy is higher then the country develops socially and economically. (4) Literacy leads to the development of a cultured and progressive society. Thus, Literacy is directly related to development.
(e) The real progress of a country is understood with the help of the Human Development Index.
Ans. (1) The Human Development Index play an important role in the study of human conditions, related to international economic development. (2) Today, it is commonly accepted that only economic prosperity does not mean development. (3) This is not just the expectation of individuals but also of a region or of a country. (4) The Human Development Index is used as a yardstick to measure regional development.
Q 5. Write notes.
(A) Sex ratio
Ans. (1) As per the gender, population can be divided into males and females. This is a natural division which can be easily understood. (2) In a population, when both the genders are around the same number it indicates a balanced population. (3) In population studies the ratio of men and women is considered important. This ratio is calculated as follows :
(4) When for every one thousand males the number of females is less, the sex ratio is said to be low and when for every one thousand males the number of females is more, the sex ratio is said to be high.
(B) Age Structure
Ans. (1) In a region, when the population is subdivided as per the age groups this is called the age structure of the population. (2) Age structure is useful for the projection of population and for understanding the dynamics of the age structure arrangement. (3) It helps in understanding the proportion of active and dependent population. (4) In India, the productive population is the population between the ages 15 and 59. This group of people is active in service and business and directly participate in the economic activities of a region. (5) In regions where the proportion of this population is more, especially youth, development is rapid. (6) The dependent population fall into two sub groups. The people below 15 years of age are totally dependent on the productive population. People above 60 years also fall in the dependent category but their knowledge and experience make them a valuable asset to the whole society.
(C) Literacy
Ans. (1) In Indian society, some people can be categorized as literate and illiterate based on their ability to read and write (2) In our country a person who can read and write is termed as literate. This definition can vary from one country to another. (3) The percentage of literacy throws light on the quality of the population. (4) People above the age of seven can be classified into literates and illiterates. (5) Literacy is an indicator of the social and economic development of a society. (6) If the percentage of literacy is higher then the country develops socially and economically. (7) Literacy leads to the development of a cultured and progressive society.