Unit- 2 The world Population
EXERCISES
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) Which one of the following continents has the highest growth of
population?
(a) Africa (c) Asia
(b) South America (d) North America
Answer: (a) Africa.
(ii) Which one of the following is not an area of sparse population?
(a) The Atacama (c) Equatorial region
(b) South-east Asia (d) Polar regions
Answer: (b) South-east Asia.
(iii) Which one of the following is not a push factor ?
(a) Water shortage (c) Unemployment
(b) Medical/educational facilities (d) Epidemics
Answer: (b) Medical/educational facilities.
(iv) Which one of the following is not a fact ?
(a) Human population increased more than ten times during the past
500 years.
(b) Population growth is high in the first stage of demographic transition?
Answer:
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) Name three geographical factors that influence the distribution of
population.
Ans: Here are three key geographical factors that influence the distribution of population:
1. Climate:
Favorable climates: Areas with moderate temperatures, ample rainfall, and long growing seasons tend to attract and sustain larger populations due to their suitability for agriculture, resource availability, and comfortable living conditions. In contrast, extreme climates like deserts or polar regions typically have lower population densities.
Access to water: Freshwater is essential for survival and various human activities. Regions with reliable sources of freshwater, like rivers, lakes, or aquifers, generally support larger populations compared to arid or drought-prone areas.
2. Topography:
Flat and fertile land: Plains and gently sloping areas are often preferred for settlements and agriculture due to easier land use and infrastructure development. Mountainous or hilly regions may have lower population densities because of challenging terrain, limited arable land, and harsh weather conditions.
Coastal areas: Coastlines offer access to fishing, trade routes, and often have milder climates, making them attractive locations for settlements and population concentration.
3. Resource availability:
Natural resources: Areas rich in valuable resources like minerals, oil, fertile soil, or abundant wildlife can attract and support larger populations due to economic opportunities and potential wealth generation. Regions lacking these resources may have lower population densities due to limited economic prospects.
Infrastructure and services: The presence of developed infrastructure like transportation networks, energy grids, communication systems, and social services like healthcare and education can make an area more appealing for people to settle and contribute to population growth.
These are just a few examples, and the specific factors influencing population distribution vary depending on regional contexts and historical developments. However, understanding these key geographical influences can provide valuable insights into the uneven distribution of human populations across the globe.
(ii) There are a number of areas with high population density in the world. Why does
this happen?
Ans: High population density in certain areas arises from a confluence of factors, both push and pull, often intertwined and historically contingent. Here are some key reasons:
Push factors:
Limited resources elsewhere: People might migrate to areas with higher resource availability (water, fertile land, minerals) due to scarcity or depletion in their previous locations.
Natural disasters or environmental degradation: Events like floods, droughts, or deforestation can drive people out of affected areas, often seeking safer or more resource-rich environments.
Political instability or conflict: War, persecution, or political unrest can force people to seek refuge in more stable and secure regions, often leading to concentrated populations in refugee camps or border areas.
Pull factors:
Economic opportunities: Areas with thriving industries, trade routes, or abundant resources generally offer better job prospects and income potential, attracting migrants seeking improved livelihoods.
Developed infrastructure and services: Availability of good transportation networks, healthcare, education, and social services can make an area desirable for settlement and family life, leading to population growth.
Favorable climate and geographic features: Areas with moderate temperatures, ample rainfall, fertile land, or access to water resources offer comfortable living conditions and potential for agriculture, attracting and sustaining larger populations.
Cultural and social factors: Religious significance, historical migration patterns, or existing family networks can draw people to specific regions, creating population clusters based on shared identities and communities.
The specific mix of these factors varies greatly across different regions and historical periods. For example, the high population density in cities like Tokyo or New York is primarily driven by economic opportunities and developed infrastructure, while areas like the Ganges River delta in India or the Nile Valley in Egypt have historically benefited from fertile land and abundant water resources.
It's important to remember that high population density also presents its own challenges, such as resource scarcity, pollution, and infrastructure strain. Sustainable management and efficient utilization of resources are crucial in navigating the complexities of densely populated areas.
(iii) What are the three components of population change?
Answer: The three components of population change are:
*Births: The number of live births that occur in a population over a specific period of time. This is usually expressed as a rate per 1,000 people.
Population change = Births - Deaths + Net migration
3. Distinguish between:
(i) Birth rate and death rate.
(ii) Push factors and pull factors of migration.
Answer:
4. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
(i) Discuss the factors influencing the distribution and density of population in the
world.
Ans: Factors Influencing Population Distribution and Density
The distribution and density of the world's population are influenced by a complex interplay of physical, social, economic, and political factors. These factors can be broadly categorized into push and pull forces, where push factors motivate people to leave certain areas and pull factors attract them to others.
Physical Factors:
*Climate: Regions with moderate temperatures, ample rainfall, and long growing seasons tend to attract and sustain larger populations due to their suitability for agriculture and comfortable living conditions. In contrast, extreme climates like deserts or polar regions typically have lower population densities.
*Topography: Flat and fertile land is often preferred for settlements and agriculture due to easier land use and infrastructure development. Mountainous or hilly regions may have lower population densities because of challenging terrain, limited arable land, and harsh weather conditions.
Answer: The Three Stages of Demographic Transition
Demographic transition is a theoretical framework describing the long-term shift from high birth and death rates in pre-modern societies to low birth and death rates in industrialized nations. This transition typically unfolds in three distinct stages:
Stage 1: High Birth and Death Rates:
Characterized by:
* High fertility rates: Large average family sizes due to factors like traditional values, lack of family planning access, and child mortality reliance.
*High mortality rates: Frequent deaths from infectious diseases, malnutrition, and poor childbirth practices.
*Slow population growth: The rapid births are often counterbalanced by high death rates, resulting in slow or stagnant population expansion.
Examples: Pre-industrial Europe, contemporary developing countries.
Stage 2: Rapid Population Growth:
Marked by:
Declining death rates: Advancements in medicine, sanitation, and public health measures lead to significant drops in mortality rates, particularly among children.
Sustained high birth rates: Fertility rates remain high due to cultural inertia, lack of education and awareness about family planning, and social incentives for large families.
This stage creates a population explosion as declining death rates significantly outpace the decrease in birth rates, leading to rapid population growth.
Examples: 19th-century Europe, many developing countries today.
Stage 3: Low Birth and Death Rates:
Defined by:
Decreasing fertility rates: Increased access to education, family planning options, and economic opportunities for women lead to a gradual decline in birth rates.
Low mortality rates: Continued improvements in healthcare and living standards maintain low death rates.
This stage brings slower population growth as birth rates eventually approach or fall below death rates, leading to population stabilization or even decline.
Examples: Most developed countries today.
Important Points:
The speed and timing of transition between stages can vary significantly between countries due to cultural, economic, and political factors.
Some countries skip or condense stages due to rapid modernization or social change.
The consequences of demographic transition are far-reaching, impacting economic growth, labor markets, social security systems, and environmental sustainability.
Understanding the demographic transition offers valuable insights into population dynamics and helps to inform policy decisions regarding healthcare, education, social welfare, and environmental protection.
Map Skill
On the outline map of the world, show and name the following.
(i) Countries of Europe and Asia with negative growth rate of population.
Project/Activity
(i) Has someone in your family migrated? Write about her/his place of
destination. What made her/him migrate?
(ii) Write a brief report on the distribution and density of population in your
state.
Answer:
Answer By : Himashree Bora.
