Q 1 – Which of the following regions has the highest concentration of population in the world?
A. Northern Canada
B. Equatorial Africa
C. East Asia
D. Central Australia
C. East Asia
Q 2 – Population density is defined as:
A. Birth rate minus death rate
B. Number of people per unit area
C. Number of migrants entering a country
D. Ratio of urban to rural population
B. Number of people per unit area
Q 3 – Which one of the following factors has the greatest influence on population distribution?
A. Latitude only
B. Political boundaries only
C. Physical and socio-economic factors together
D. Ocean currents only
C. Physical and socio-economic factors together
Q 4 – The term “crude birth rate” refers to:
A. Number of deaths per thousand population
B. Number of births per thousand population
C. Number of migrants per thousand population
D. Number of females per thousand males
B. Number of births per thousand population
Q 5 – Which of the following regions is sparsely populated mainly due to harsh climate?
A. Western Europe
B. Nile Valley
C. Siberia
D. South-East Asia
C. Siberia
Q 6 – The Demographic Transition Theory was proposed by:
A. Thomas Malthus
B. Griffith Taylor
C. Warren Thompson
D. Vidal de la Blache
C. Warren Thompson
Q 7 – In the first stage of demographic transition:
A. Birth rate and death rate are both low
B. Birth rate is low and death rate is high
C. Birth rate and death rate are both high
D. Population growth becomes negative
C. Birth rate and death rate are both high
Q 8 – Which among the following countries is characterised by low population growth and ageing population?
A. India
B. Nigeria
C. Japan
D. Bangladesh
C. Japan
Q 9 – Which stage of demographic transition experiences rapid population growth?
A. Stage I
B. Stage II
C. Stage III
D. Stage IV
B. Stage II
Q 10 – The arithmetic density of population is calculated by:
A. Total population ÷ cultivated land
B. Total population ÷ arable land
C. Total population ÷ total geographical area
D. Farmers ÷ cultivated land
C. Total population ÷ total geographical area
Q 11 – Which of the following best explains low population density in desert regions?
A. Excess rainfall
B. Dense industrialisation
C. Scarcity of water and harsh climate
D. Fertile soil conditions
C. Scarcity of water and harsh climate
Q 12 – Thomas Malthus argued that population increases in:
A. Arithmetic progression
B. Geometric progression
C. Linear progression
D. Constant progression
B. Geometric progression
Q 13 – Which one of the following is a pull factor of migration affecting population distribution?
A. Drought
B. Political instability
C. Better employment opportunities
D. Floods
C. Better employment opportunities
Q 14 – Which continent has the lowest population density?
A. Asia
B. Europe
C. Antarctica
D. Africa
C. Antarctica
Q 15 – In which stage of demographic transition do both birth rate and death rate decline significantly?
A. Stage I
B. Stage II
C. Stage III
D. Stage IV
C. Stage III
Q 16 – Which of the following is NOT a measure of population growth?
A. Birth rate
B. Death rate
C. Migration rate
D. Ocean salinity
D. Ocean salinity
Q 17 – Which one of the following countries is experiencing negative population growth?
A. India
B. China
C. Germany
D. Ethiopia
C. Germany
Q 18 – Match the following:
Column I | Column II |
A. Arithmetic Density | 1. Population per cultivated land |
B. Physiological Density | 2. Population per total area |
C. Demographic Transition | 3. Change in birth and death rates |
Options:
A–2, B–1, C–3
B. A–1, B–2, C–3
C. A–3, B–2, C–1
D. A–2, B–3, C–1
A–2, B–1, C–3
Q 19 – Which of the following statements about world population distribution is correct?
A. Population is evenly distributed across the world.
B. More than 90% of world population lives in the Southern Hemisphere.
C. Most population is concentrated in a few densely populated regions.
D. Polar regions have the highest population concentration.
C. Most population is concentrated in a few densely populated regions.
Q 20 – Fill in the Blanks:
1. The number of people living per unit area of land is called population __________.
2. __________ is the most populous continent in the world.
3. Areas with favourable climate and fertile soil generally have __________ population density.
4. The Demographic Transition Theory was proposed by __________ Thompson.
5. In the first stage of demographic transition, both birth rate and death rate are __________.
6. Population growth becomes rapid during the __________ stage of demographic transition.
7. The arithmetic density of population is calculated by dividing total population by total __________ area.
8. River valleys are densely populated mainly because of fertile soil and availability of __________.
9. The theory proposed by Thomas Malthus states that population grows in __________ progression.
10. __________ density refers to the number of people per unit area of cultivated land.
11. Regions with extremely cold climate such as Siberia generally have __________ population density.
12. The difference between birth rate and death rate is called natural __________ of population.
13. The movement of people from one place to another is known as __________.
14. Stage III of demographic transition is characterised by declining birth rate and low death __________.
15. Population distribution in the world is highly __________.
16. __________ factors include relief, climate and water availability affecting population distribution.
17. Countries like Japan and Germany are experiencing __________ population growth.
18. The branch of geography dealing with population studies is called __________ Geography.
19. Deserts are sparsely populated mainly due to scarcity of __________.
20. In the final stage of demographic transition, both birth rate and death rate become __________.
1. density
2. Asia
3. high
4. Warren
5. high
6. second
7. geographical
8. water
9. geometric
10. Physiological
11. low
12. growth
13. migration
14. rate
15. uneven
16. Physical
17. negative
18. Population
19.water
20. low
Directions:
Choose the correct option:
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
D. Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.
Q 21 – Assertion (A): Population distribution in the world is highly uneven.
Reason (R): Physical and socio-economic conditions vary from region to region.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 22 – Assertion (A): River valleys are among the most densely populated regions of the world.
Reason (R): River valleys provide fertile soil, water and transport facilities.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 23 – Assertion (A): Desert regions generally have sparse population.
Reason (R): Scarcity of water and harsh climatic conditions discourage settlement.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 24 – Assertion (A): Stage II of demographic transition experiences rapid population growth.
Reason (R): Death rate declines rapidly while birth rate remains high.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 25 – Assertion (A): Population density is uniform throughout the world.
Reason (R): Environmental conditions differ greatly across regions.
D. Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.
Q 26 – Assertion (A): Countries like Japan and Germany are facing ageing population problems.
Reason (R): These countries have low birth rates and high life expectancy.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 27 – Assertion (A): River valleys are densely populated regions of the world.
Reason (R): River valleys provide fertile soil and water availability.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 28 – Assertion (A): Malthus believed that food production increases faster than population growth.
Reason (R): According to Malthus, population grows geometrically while food supply grows arithmetically.
D. Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.
Q 29 – Assertion (A): Migration influences population distribution.
Reason (R): People move from less developed areas to regions with better opportunities.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 30 – Assertion (A): Physiological density gives a better understanding of pressure on agricultural land.
Reason (R): It measures population per unit area of cultivated land.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 31 – Assertion (A): In the final stage of demographic transition, population growth becomes very low.
Reason (R): Both birth rate and death rate remain low in this stage.
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q 32 – Define population density.
Population density refers to the number of people living per unit area of land, usually expressed as persons per square kilometre.
Q 33 – Why is population distribution uneven in the world?
Population distribution is uneven because physical factors like climate, relief, soil and water availability differ from region to region. Socio-economic factors such as industrialisation, transport and urbanisation also influence settlement patterns.
Q 34 – Differentiate between arithmetic density and physiological density.
Arithmetic Density | Physiological Density |
Total population divided by total geographical area | Total population divided by cultivated land |
Measures general population concentration | Measures pressure on agricultural land |
Simpler method | More realistic for agricultural regions |
Q 35 – Explain any two factors affecting population distribution.
Two important factors affecting population distribution are:
Climate
People prefer to live in areas with a moderate climate. Extremely hot, cold, or dry regions such as deserts and polar areas have very less population because survival and farming are difficult there.
Availability of Water
Areas near rivers, lakes, and other water sources are densely populated because water is needed for drinking, agriculture, industries, and transport. For example, river valleys are usually heavily populated.
Q 36 – Mention the main characteristics of Stage II of demographic transition.
The main characteristics of Stage II of Demographic Transition are:
1. High Birth Rate – The birth rate remains very high because people continue to have many children.
2. Rapid Decline in Death Rate – Improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and food supply reduce the death rate quickly.
3. Rapid Population Growth – Since birth rate is high and death rate falls, population increases rapidly.
4. Improved Living Conditions – Better medical facilities, clean water, and improved nutrition increase life expectancy.
Q 37 – What is demographic transition?
Demographic transition is the gradual change in the population pattern of a country from high birth rate and high death rate to low birth rate and low death rate as the country develops economically and socially.
It usually takes place in different stages and affects the rate of population growth.
Q 38 – What did Thomas Malthus state about population growth?
Thomas Robert Malthus stated that population grows faster than food production. According to him, population increases in a geometrical ratio (very rapidly), while food supply increases in an arithmetical ratio (slowly).
He believed that if population growth is not controlled, it may lead to problems like poverty, famine, and unemployment.
Q 39 – Why are river valleys densely populated?
1. Fertile alluvial soil.
2. Availability of water for agriculture and domestic use.
3. Easy transport and communication facilities.
4. Suitable conditions for settlements.
Q 41 – Explain the significance of studying world population.
1. Helps understand resource use and planning.
2. Assists in economic and social development policies.
3. Helps analyse environmental pressure.
4. Useful for urban and regional planning.
Q 42 – Explain the factors affecting the distribution of world population.
The distribution of world population is highly uneven due to physical and socio-economic factors.
Physical Factors
1. Relief
- Plains are densely populated due to easy transport and agriculture.
- Mountains and plateaus have sparse population.
2. Climate
- Moderate climates attract dense settlements.
- Extremely hot, cold or dry regions have low population.
3. Water Availability
- River valleys and coastal regions support dense population.
4. Soil
- Fertile soil encourages agriculture and settlements.
Socio-Economic Factors
1. Industrialisation
Industrial regions attract workers and population concentration.
2. Urbanisation
Cities provide employment and better facilities.
3. Transport and Communication
Well-connected areas become densely populated.
Population distribution reflects the interaction between natural and human factors.
Q 43 – Explain the Demographic Transition Theory in detail.
Demographic Transition Theory explains changes in birth rate, death rate and population growth over time.
Stage I – High Stationary
- High birth rate and high death rate.
- Population growth remains low.
Stage II – Early Expanding
- Death rate declines rapidly.
- Birth rate remains high.
- Population grows rapidly.
Stage III – Late Expanding
- Birth rate starts declining.
- Population growth slows down.
Stage IV – Low Stationary
- Both birth and death rates are low.
- Population growth becomes very low.
Stage V (in some countries)
- Birth rate becomes lower than death rate.
- Negative population growth occurs.
The theory explains population changes with economic and social development.
Q 44 – Discuss the causes and consequences of population growth.
Causes
1. Decline in death rate due to medical advancement.
2. Improvement in food supply and sanitation.
3. High birth rate in developing countries.
4. Lack of awareness and family planning.
Consequences
Positive
Increased labour force.
Expansion of markets.
Negative
Pressure on resources.
Unemployment and poverty.
Environmental degradation.
Housing and food shortages.
Balanced population growth is necessary for sustainable development.
Q 45 – Explain the importance of population studies in Geography.
Importance
1. Helps understand population distribution and density.
2. Assists in resource planning and management.
3. Useful for economic and social policy-making.
4. Helps analyse migration and urbanisation.
5. Supports sustainable development planning.
Geographical Significance
Population directly influences land use, settlements and economic activities.
Population studies are essential for understanding human development and environmental interaction.
Q 46 – Explain the concept of population density and its types.
Population density refers to the number of people living per unit area of land, usually measured as persons per square kilometre. It helps us understand how crowded a place is.
The formula for population density is: Total Population/ Total area
Types of Population Density
1. Arithmetic Density
It is the total population divided by the total land area. It shows the average number of people living in a region.
2. Physiological Density
It is the number of people living per unit area of cultivable (farm) land. It indicates the pressure of population on agricultural land.
3. Agricultural Density
It refers to the number of farmers living on a unit area of cultivated land. It helps in understanding the level of agricultural development.
Q 47 – Discuss the relationship between population growth and environment.
Effects of Population Growth on Environment
1. Deforestation due to expanding settlements.
2. Pollution from industries and urbanisation.
3. Overuse of natural resources.
4. Climate change and biodiversity loss.
Positive Role
Educated population can contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable technology.
Balanced population growth is essential for environmental sustainability.
Q 48 – Explain the causes and impacts of migration on population distribution.
Causes of Migration
Employment opportunities
Education and healthcare
Natural disasters
Political instability
Impacts on Population Distribution
1. Urban population increases rapidly.
2. Rural regions may lose workforce.
3. Cultural diversity increases in cities.
4. Overcrowding and slum growth occur.
Migration significantly alters spatial population patterns.
Q 49 – Explain Malthus Theory of Population.
Theory
Thomas Robert Malthus stated that population grows geometrically while food supply grows arithmetically.
Main Idea
Population increases rapidly.
Food production cannot keep pace.
This leads to poverty, famine and disease.
Preventive Checks
Moral restraint
Late marriage
Positive Checks
Famine
Epidemics
Wars
Criticism
Ignored technological advancement and agricultural development.
Though criticised, the theory highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled population growth.
Q 50 – Why are some regions densely populated while others are sparsely populated? Explain with examples.
Densely Populated Regions
Examples: East Asia, South Asia, Western Europe.
Reasons
Fertile soil
Moderate climate
Industrialisation
Urban development
Sparsely Populated Regions
Examples: Sahara Desert, Antarctica, Siberia.
Reasons
Harsh climate
Lack of water
Rugged terrain
Poor economic opportunities
Population concentration depends on environmental suitability and economic development.
Q 51 – Explain the major demographic characteristics of the world population.
The major demographic characteristics of the world population are the important features that help in studying population patterns across the world. These include:
1. Population Size
It refers to the total number of people living in the world or a particular region.
2. Population Distribution
It shows how people are spread across different areas. Some regions are densely populated, while others are sparsely populated.
3. Population Density
It means the number of people living per unit area of land. It indicates how crowded a place is.
4. Population Growth
It refers to the increase or decrease in population over time due to births, deaths, and migration.
5. Age Composition
It shows the proportion of people belonging to different age groups such as children, adults, and old people.
6. Sex Ratio
It is the number of females per 1000 males in a population.
7. Literacy Rate
It indicates the percentage of people who can read and write in a population.
8. Occupational Structure
It refers to the distribution of people among different occupations like agriculture, industry, and services.
9. Life Expectancy
It is the average number of years a person is expected to live.
10. Migration
It refers to the movement of people from one place to another, which affects population size and distribution.