CLASS - 8 Chap – 19 HUMAN-RESOURCES

Define :

1. Density of population – the number of people living per unit area in a region.
2. Literacy rate - the percentage of the total population that is able to read and write.

Answer the following questions:

Q1. Explain how relief and climate affect the distribution of population.

Ans. Relief :
1. Flat and undulating land in plains and river valleys are the most favoured places
for human habitation.
2. The mountainous and rugged areas are sparsely populated.

Climate:
3. A favourable climate with an equitable amount of rainfall favours the growth of
population.
4. Areas that are too hot or too cold or have very low rainfall are sparsely populated.

Q2. Explain how the sex ratio determines population composition.

Ans. 1. Sex composition refers to the male – female ratio or percentage of males to
females in the total population. It is calculated as the sex ratio, which is the
number of females per thousand males
2. The proportion of males to females affects the rate of population growth.
3 Understanding the sex ratio is important as it allows forecasts of future population
trends and it helps in planning for the future population development.
4 An educated and developed society does not differentiate between males and
females. So, they have a favourable sex ratio.

Q3. How are occupational structures important in determining the composition of

population?

Ans. 1. Occupational structure gives an idea of the number of people engaged in different
activities to earn a livelihood.
2. Primary activities , which include agriculture, animal rearing, forestry, fishing and
mining.
3. Secondary activities such as manufacturing and processing.
4. Tertiary activities ,which include services, transport , communication, trade and
banking.

Q4. What are the reasons for the rapid growth of world population after the 1960s ?

Ans. The reasons for the rapid growth of world population after the 1960s are :-
1. The resource base expanded.
2. Scientific and technological advancements improved the quality of life.
 3. There have been remarkable advances in medical sciences which led to the
reduction in the death rate.
4. Life expectancy of people all over the world increased.

Q5. What problems arise due to rapid growth of population in developing countries?

Ans. Problems that arise due to rapid growth of population in developing countries are:-
1. Resource development cannot keep pace with population growth in developing
countries.
2. This leads to problems such as shortages of food supply, inadequate power supply
and low standard of living.
3. Housing and water problems , slums and healthcare problems also arises due to
population growth.
4. The problem is serious and must be dealt with by placing effective checks on the
rate of population growth.