EXERCISE

Q1. Write about the trend of population growth in the world. Why and during which period the population growth rate was high?

Answer: The trend of world population growth has been slow for most of human history but accelerated dramatically in recent centuries. For thousands of years, the population remained small, and growth was very low due to factors like famine, epidemics, and high mortality rates.

After the 1800s, population growth started to increase more noticeably. By 1808, the world population reached 1 billion, marking the beginning of a gradual acceleration in human numbers.

The period from 1950 to 2000 saw a very high growth rate, often referred to as a “population explosion.” During this time, the world population rose from 2.5 billion to 6 billion. This rapid increase was due to a reliable food supply, rise in the standard of living, and advancements in medical science, which significantly reduced death rates.

Q2. What is the estimate of world population? State the major reasons of spatial variation in population growth.

Answer: According to the United Nations, the world population reached 7 billion in 2011.

The major reasons for spatial variation in population growth are:

1. Socio-economic development: Developed countries generally have a lower birth rate and thus a lower population growth rate, while developing countries have a higher growth rate due to higher birth rates.
2. High Birth Rate: This is the main reason for high population growth in many parts of Asia and Africa.
3. Migration: Migration, both internal and international, can cause significant population growth in certain regions, as seen in North America, which has grown due to large-scale migration from Europe and other parts of the world.

Q3. Give a picture of regional variation in population growth in present time in the world.

Answer: In the present time, there is a significant regional variation in population growth.

1. Developed Countries: The developed countries of Europe and North America generally have a very low to almost zero population growth rate, mainly due to low birth rates.
2. Developing Countries: The developing countries of Asia and Africa have a very high population growth rate, primarily because of a high birth rate. For example, Africa had the highest growth rate during the period 1950-2000.
3. Continents: In absolute terms, Asia has the highest population increase, while Oceania has the lowest.

Q4. Write about population distribution in the world and state the major factors of unevenness in the distribution.

Answer: The distribution of the world’s population is very uneven. About 90% of the world’s population is concentrated in the northern hemisphere, with a high concentration in certain areas like Asia, Western Europe, and northeastern USA.

The major factors contributing to this uneven distribution are:

1. Physical factors: Climate, topography, soil, water availability, and natural resources.
2. Socio-economic factors: Industrialization, transport systems, economic development, and socio-cultural conditions.

Q5. Discuss with examples about the role of topography and climate in population distribution. Answer:

• Topography: The physical features of an area, such as mountains, plains, and valleys, significantly influence population distribution. Plains and coastal lowlands with flat terrain are suitable for agriculture and transport, leading to high population density (e.g., the Ganga-Brahmaputra plain in India). In contrast, rugged, mountainous regions are thinly populated due to difficulties in agriculture and transport (e.g., the Himalayan region).

• Climate: Climate is a major factor. Areas with favourable climatic conditions, such as moderate temperature and adequate rainfall, are densely populated (e.g., tropical monsoon regions of South and East Asia). Conversely, regions with extreme climates, like hot deserts (Sahara) or cold, snow-covered areas (Tundra), have a very low population density.

Q6. Stating the major densely populated regions of the world briefly discuss their geographical characteristics.

Answer: The four major densely populated regions of the world are:

1. East Asia
2. South Asia
3. Western Europe
4. Northeastern coastal plains of the USA

Their geographical regions are characterized by favourable climates such as temperate or tropical monsoon, fertile plains like the Ganga-Brahmaputra plain and coastal China and USA, easy access to water from rivers and coasts, and well-developed socio-economic conditions including agriculture, trade, industry, and urbanisation.

Q7. What are the major thinly populated regions of the world? What are the main reasons behind thin population in those areas?

Answer: The major thinly populated regions of the world are:

1. Cold regions (e.g., Tundra and Sub-Polar regions)
2. Hot and dry deserts (e.g., Sahara, Gobi, Thar)
3. High rainfall equatorial forest regions
4. High mountainous regions (e.g., Himalayas, Rockies, Andes)

The main reasons for low population in these areas are:

1. Extreme climate: The regions are either too cold or too hot and dry for comfortable human life and agriculture.
2. Unfavourable topography: Rugged, steep mountains and difficult terrains make agriculture and transport challenging.
3. Lack of resources: Harsh conditions often mean a lack of fertile soil, water, and other necessary resources for supporting a large population.

Q8. What do you mean by “human migration”? What are its major types?

Q9. Write briefly why ‘human migration’ takes place.

Answer: Human migration takes place when there is a difference in conditions between a person’s current location and a potential new location. People are either pushed away from their current place by negative factors or pulled towards a new place by positive factors. The desire for a better life, often for economic upliftment, is a primary reason.

Q10. State the push and pull factors of human migration.

Answer:

Push factors: These are the negative factors that force or compel people to leave their place of origin.

1. Lack of employment opportunities and poor economic conditions.
2. Low wages and a low standard of living.
3. Political instability, lack of security, and social inequality.
4. Unfavourable physical conditions, such as natural hazards.

Pull factors: These are the positive factors that attract migrants to a new place.

1. Availability of employment opportunities and a favourable economic environment.
2. High wages and a better standard of living.
3. Political stability and security.
4. Advanced medical and educational facilities.
5. Favourable physical environment and availability of fertile land.

Q11. What do you mean by international migration? Write briefly about the causes and consequences of the two international migrations with examples.

Answer: International migration is the movement of people from one country to another.

Q12. Write short notes:

(a) Population explosion

Answer: Population explosion is the term used to describe a rapid increase in the world’s population, particularly during the period from the mid-20th century (1950-2000). This was mainly due to a sharp decline in death rates resulting from advancements in medical science and improved food supply, while birth rates remained high.

(b) Density of Population Answer: Density of population is a measure of how many people live in a specific area. It is calculated by dividing the total population of a region by its total area (in persons per sq. km). It helps to understand the uneven distribution of population across the world. For example, Asia has a high population density, while Oceania has a very low one.

(c) Internal migration

Answer: Internal migration, or intranational migration, is the movement of people within the borders of a single country. This can be from a village to a town, a town to a village, from one town to another, or from one village to another. It is often driven by economic or social factors, such as the search for better employment or educational facilities.

(d) International migration

Answer: International migration is the movement of people from one country to another for a long-term or permanent change of residence. It is a complex process with various causes, including economic opportunities, political instability, and natural disasters.

(e) Pull factors of human migration

Answer: Pull factors are positive conditions at a destination that attract people to migrate there. These include better job opportunities, higher wages, political stability, a safe environment, and access to good healthcare and education.

(f) Push factors of human migration

Answer: Push factors are negative conditions at a place of origin that compel or push people to migrate. These can be lack of jobs, poverty, social or political instability, wars, natural disasters, or lack of basic facilities like clean water and healthcare.

(g) Bangladesh-India Population migration

Answer: This migration refers to the movement of people from Bangladesh into India. The causes include the partition of India in 1947 and Pakistan in 1971, which led to a large-scale displacement of people. Another major reason is illegal infiltration due to factors like poverty, high population density, and lack of employment in Bangladesh. The consequences have included changes in the demographic and religious composition of states like Assam, as well as socio-economic problems.

Q13.State the reasons behind variation in population density
in your locality.

Answer: The reasons behind variation in population density
in our locality are :

1. Availability of resources: Areas with fertile land, water, and employment opportunities have higher density.
2. Economic activities: Industrial and commercial areas attract more people.
3. Transport and communication: Well-connected regions are more densely populated.
4. Physical features: Hilly, forested, or flood-prone areas have lower population density.
5. Social and cultural factors: Historical settlements, community preferences, and availability of social facilities influence density.

Q14. Choose the correct answer:

(a) In which year world had a population of about 1 billion?

(i) In 1950

(ii) In 1808 

(iii) In 1908

(iv) In 1008

Answer: 1808

(b) What is the main reason of world population growth?

(i) Increase of birth rate

(ii) Decrease of death rate

(iii) Decrease of death rate compared to birth rate 

(iv) Migration

Answer: Decrease of death rate compared to birth rate

(c) Which is the least populous continent in the world?

(i) Africa

(ii) Oceania 

(iii) Europe

(iv) South America

Answer: Oceania

(d) Among the following countries which one has the highest population density?

(i) Japan

(ii) India

(iii) Bangladesh 

(iv) Indonesia

Answer: Bangladesh

Q15.With guidance of teacher collect data about number of births and deaths from at least 30 houses in your village or hamlet and prepare a table. Find out the main factors of population distribution. State the reasons of uneven distribution of population in your area.

Answer :

1. Collect data about births and deaths from at least 30 houses in your village or hamlet under your teacher’s guidance.
2. Prepare a table showing the number of births, deaths, and total population per household.

Factors of Population Distribution:

1. Fertile land and water availability
2. Employment opportunities
3. Urbanisation and infrastructure
4. Climate and topography

Reasons for Uneven Population Distribution in Your Area:

1. Difficult terrain or flood-prone zones discourage settlement.
2. Lack of basic facilities like schools, hospitals, and markets.
3. Limited economic opportunities in remote or forested areas.
4. Historical settlement patterns and land ownership.