Population distribution - Density and Growth and Composition

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Learning Objectives

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Learning Objectives

Understand the significance of population as a component of a country.
Analyze the patterns of population distribution in India.
Examine the sources of population data, particularly the Census operation.
Discuss the factors affecting population density and growth in India.
Evaluate the impact of climate on population distribution.
Identify states with large rural populations and reasons for their demographics.
Explore the occupational structure of India's population.
Assess the challenges faced by the adolescent population in India.
Review government policies aimed at youth empowerment and skill development.

Revision Notes & Summary

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Chapter 1: Population

Overview

India is the second most populous country with a population of 1,210 million (2011).
The large population puts pressure on limited resources and contributes to socio-economic problems.

Sources of Population Data

Population data is collected through the Census every 10 years.
First complete Census conducted in 1881.

Distribution of Population

India has a highly uneven population distribution.
States with highest populations:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Bihar
- West Bengal

Factors Influencing Population Distribution

Climate affects population density; very hot, dry, and very cold, wet regions have low density.
Rural populations are significant in states like Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.

Population Growth Trends

Population growth rates vary by state; some states have seen declines while others have increased.
Example: Maharashtra saw a decline of 6.7 percentage points from 2001-2011.

Population Composition

Composition includes age, sex, place of residence, ethnic characteristics, language, religion, marital status, literacy, and occupation.
Approximately 68.8% of the population lives in rural areas (2011).

Rural-Urban Composition

India has 640,867 villages, with 93.2% inhabited.
Urban population is 31.16% and growing faster than rural population.

Linguistic Composition

India has about 22 scheduled languages and numerous dialects.
Hindi has the highest percentage of speakers among scheduled languages.

Religious Composition

Religion significantly influences cultural and political life in India.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

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Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Misunderstanding Population Distribution: Students often confuse population density with distribution. Density refers to the number of people per unit area, while distribution refers to how people are spread across a region.
Ignoring Rural-Urban Dynamics: Many overlook the significance of rural-urban migration and its impact on population growth and urbanization rates.
Neglecting Historical Context: Failing to consider the historical context of population data, such as the first Census in 1872, can lead to misunderstandings about current statistics.

Exam Tips

Focus on Key Statistics: Remember important figures, such as India's population of 1,210 million (2011) and the percentage of rural population (68.8%).
Understand the Role of Climate: Be prepared to explain how climate affects population density, particularly in very hot, dry, or very cold, wet regions.
Analyze Population Composition: Be ready to discuss various aspects of population composition, including age, sex, and occupational characteristics, as these are often exam topics.
Use Visual Aids: When discussing population distribution, refer to figures and graphs provided in the materials to support your answers.

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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False

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Multiple Choice Questions

3.15

3.50

2.85

3.00

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A 30% reduction in the diversity index of 4.5 results in a new index of

4.5 - (0.3 \times 4.5) = 3.15

1,210 million

1,350 million

1,500 million

1,100 million

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, India's population was 1,210 million.

Bihar

West Bengal

Uttar Pradesh

Kerala

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, Bihar has the highest density of population with 1,102 persons per square kilometer.

31.16%

68.8%

79.8%

93.2%

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, 68.8% of India's population lived in villages.

15.5%

20.9%

25.3%

30.1%

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In 2011, adolescents (age 10-19) made up about 20.9% of India's population.

80%

85%

90%

95%

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The current literacy rate is 75%. An increase of 15% would make the new literacy rate 75% + 15% = 90%.

West Bengal

Bihar

Uttar Pradesh

Kerala

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Bihar has the highest density of population in India with 1102 persons per sq km.

Arunachal Pradesh

Bihar

Kerala

West Bengal

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest density of population with 17 persons per sq km in 2011.

31.16%

68.8%

79.8%

54.6%

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, 68.8% of India's population lived in rural areas.

300,000

500,000

700,000

900,000

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The rural population is 70% of the total population. Therefore,

0.7 \times 1,000,000 = 700,000

people live in rural areas.

18.15 million

16.50 million

12.10 million

15.00 million

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

1.5% of 1,210 million is calculated as

0.015 \times 1,210 = 18.15

million.

1901-1921

1921-1951

1951-1981

1981-2001

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as the 'stagnant phase' due to low growth rates.

Goa

Mizoram

Himachal Pradesh

Delhi

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Himachal Pradesh has a very high percentage of rural population.

11.5 million

11.6 million

11.7 million

11.8 million

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Using the formula for compound growth: Future Population = Present Population * (1 + growth rate)^n, where n is the number of years. Therefore, Future Population = 10 million * (1 + 0.03)^5 ≈ 11.8 million.

1901-1921

1921-1951

1951-1981

1981-present

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The period from 1951 to 1981 is referred to as the period of population explosion in India, caused by a rapid fall in mortality rate but a high fertility rate.

Indo-Aryan

Dravidian

Sino-Tibetan

Austro-Asiatic

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Sino-Tibetan language family has the smallest number of speakers in India.

5,000,000

500,000

50,000

500

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The population density is given by the formula:

\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Total Population}}{\text{Area}}

. Rearranging the formula gives

\text{Total Population} = \text{Population Density} \times \text{Area}

. Substituting the given values:

500 \times 10,000 = 5,000,000

Urbanization

Industrialization

Improvement in agricultural technology

Shift to non-farm based occupations

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The decline in the proportion of workers in the agricultural sector is primarily due to urbanization, industrialization, and a shift to non-farm based occupations, rather than improvement in agricultural technology.

6.05 million

60.5 million

605 million

12.1 million

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

5% of 1.21 billion is calculated as

0.05 \times 1,210,000,000 = 60,500,000

Kerala

Uttar Pradesh

Maharashtra

West Bengal

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of population during the 2001-2011 decade with a growth rate of 9.4%.

Phase I: 1901-1921

Phase II: 1921-1951

Phase III: 1951-1981

Phase IV: Post 1981

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Phase III (1951-1981) is referred to as the period of population explosion in India, characterized by a rapid fall in mortality rate but a high fertility rate.

1901-1921

1921-1951

1951-1981

1981-present

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The period from 1951-1981 is referred to as the phase of 'population explosion' in India.

Increased birth rate

High fertility rate and rapid fall in mortality rate

Increased international migration

Improvement in health and sanitation

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The period 1951-1981 in India saw a population explosion primarily due to a rapid fall in mortality rate while the fertility rate remained high.

Kerala

Bihar

Uttar Pradesh

Maharashtra

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% during 1991-2001.

High birth rate

High death rate

Improved healthcare

Increased immigration

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The negative growth rate during 1911-1921 was primarily due to a high death rate, as poor health services and inefficient distribution of food led to high mortality.

Rich mineral resources

Favorable climate and fertile land

High industrial development

Extensive forest cover

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The North Indian Plains have a high population density primarily due to favorable climate and fertile land, which support agriculture and human settlement.

10 million

9 million

12 million

8 million

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The ratio of male to female workers is 3:2. If there are 15 million male workers, then the number of female workers can be calculated as (2/3) * 15 million = 10 million.

Dravidian

Sino-Tibetan

Indo-Aryan

Austro-Asiatic

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family has the highest percentage of speakers in India, accounting for 73%.

65 million

50 million

75 million

70 million

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

5% of 1.3 billion is calculated as 0.05 * 1,300,000,000 = 65,000,000 or 65 million.

Increase in birth rates

Decrease in mean age at marriage

Decrease in population growth rate

Increase in mortality rate

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Improved female literacy is associated with better family planning and a decrease in birth rates, leading to a decrease in the overall population growth rate.

Arunachal Pradesh

Sikkim

Goa

Mizoram

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest population density with 17 persons per sq km.

Dravidian

Indo-Aryan

Sino-Tibetan

Austric

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family accounts for 73% of the speakers in India, making it the largest linguistic group.

Uttar Pradesh

Maharashtra

Bihar

West Bengal

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Uttar Pradesh had the highest population according to the 2011 Census.

Christians

Sikhs

Muslims

Buddhists

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Muslims form the largest religious minority in India, as per the 2011 Census.

72%

80%

70%

66%

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A 20% increase on the current literacy rate of 60% would result in a target rate of

60 + (0.2 \times 60) = 72\%

Kerala

Uttar Pradesh

Maharashtra

Bihar

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala had a low rate of population growth not exceeding 20% during 1991-2001.

Tamil Nadu

Puducherry

Andhra Pradesh

Maharashtra

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Puducherry registered the highest increase in population growth rate during 2001-2011 with an increase of 7.1 percentage points.

30 million

25 million

35 million

40 million

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Population density is given as 600 persons per sq km. Therefore, total population = 600 persons/sq km * 50,000 sq km = 30,000,000 or 30 million.

Goa

Mizoram

Himachal Pradesh

Kerala

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Himachal Pradesh has a very high percentage of rural population.

Indo-Aryan

Dravidian

Austric

Sino-Tibetan

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family is the largest linguistic group in India, accounting for 73% of the population.

34.29%

36.00%

32.00%

38.00%

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Using the inverse proportionality,

40 \times 30 = k

and

40 \times 30 = 35 \times x

, solving for

x

gives

x = \frac{1200}{35} = 34.29\%

Kerala

Maharashtra

Andhra Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% during the decade 2001-2011, which was the lowest in the country.

High birth rate and low mortality rate

Increased immigration

Economic depression

Improved agricultural techniques

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The period 1951-1981 in India was marked by a population explosion due to a rapid fall in mortality rate while the birth rate remained high.

Austro-Asiatic

Dravidian

Sino-Tibetan

Indo-European

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The Indo-European (Aryan) family has the highest number of speakers in India, accounting for 73% of the population.

High industrialization

High urbanization

Low urbanization

High literacy rates

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Low urbanization and rural-urban migration regulate the concentration of rural population.

300 persons per sq km

250 persons per sq km

350 persons per sq km

400 persons per sq km

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Population density is calculated as the total population divided by the total land area. Here, it would be

\frac{15,000,000}{50,000} = 300

persons per sq km.

117 persons per sq km

382 persons per sq km

828 persons per sq km

1102 persons per sq km

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The density of population in India as per the 2011 Census is 382 persons per sq km.

Increased rural population

Improved agricultural practices

Shift towards secondary and tertiary sectors

Decrease in urban population

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The decline in the agricultural workforce from 58.2% in 2001 to 54.6% in 2011 is attributed to a shift towards secondary and tertiary sectors, indicating a sectoral shift in the economy.

Kerala

Maharashtra

Bihar

Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% during 2001-2011.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India has 640,867 villages according to the Census 2011.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the 2011 census, India's population was 1,210 million, which is indeed larger than the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During 1901-1921, India's population growth rate was very low, with a negative growth rate recorded during 1911-1921 due to high birth and death rates.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family accounts for 73% of the linguistic composition in India.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tamil Nadu registered an increase in population growth rate by 3.9 percentage points during 2001-2011 over the previous decade.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Indo-Aryan language family accounts for 73% of the linguistic composition in India, making it the largest group.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In 2011, the proportion of urban population in India was 31.16%.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Kerala registered the lowest growth rate of 9.4% among Indian states during the 1991-2001 decade.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The 2011 Census reported that 31.16% of India's population lived in urban areas.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The density of population in India (2011) is 382 persons per sq km.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, about 68.8% of India's total population lived in villages.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the excerpt, India's population in 2011 was 1,210 million, which is larger than the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

According to the 2011 Census, about 68.8% of India's total population lives in villages.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The density of population in India in 2011 was indeed 382 persons per square kilometer as mentioned in the excerpt.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In 2011, the agricultural sector still had the largest share of Indian workers, although there was a decline from previous decades.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a period of stagnant or stationary phase of growth of India's population, with very low growth rates.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The National Youth Policy (NYP-2014) defines 'youth' as individuals aged 15-29 years.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The proportion of workers in the agricultural sector in India has shown a decline from 58.2% in 2001 to 54.6% in 2011.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a period of stagnant or stationary phase of growth of India's population, not a population explosion.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The first population Census in India was conducted in 1872, but its first complete Census was conducted only in 1881.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the excerpt, India's population in 2011 was 1,210 million, which is larger than the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The first complete population Census in India was conducted in 1881, not 1872.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The NYP-2014 indeed defines 'youth' as persons in the age group of 15-29 years.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In 2011, adolescents aged 10-19 years made up about 20.9% of India's population.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The period from 1951-1981 in India is characterized by a rapid fall in mortality rate and high fertility rate, leading to a population explosion.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Bihar has a population density of 1102 persons per sq km, which is the highest among the northern Indian states.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that Uttar Pradesh has the highest population among the Indian states.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The period from 1951-1981 is referred to as the period of population explosion in India, not steady population growth.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The National Capital Territory of Delhi had a population density of 11,297 persons per square kilometer in 2011.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Since 1981, the growth rate of India's population has started slowing down gradually.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The agricultural sector has the largest share of Indian workers, although the proportion has declined over the last few decades.

Population distribution - Density and Growth and Composition

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Revision Notes & Summary

Chapter 1: Population

Overview

Sources of Population Data

Distribution of Population

Factors Influencing Population Distribution

Population Growth Trends

Population Composition

Rural-Urban Composition

Linguistic Composition

Religious Composition

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Exam Tips

AI Learning Assistant

Practice Test – MCQs, True/False

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1.In a laboratory experiment, researchers are studying the impact of urbanization on biodiversity. They simulate an urban environment and observe a 30% reduction in plant species diversity. If the initial diversity index was 4.5, what is the new diversity index?

Correct Answer: A

Q2.What was the population of India according to the 2011 Census?

Correct Answer: A

Q3.Which of the following states in India has the highest density of population according to the 2011 Census?

Correct Answer: A

Q4.What percentage of India's population lived in villages according to the 2011 Census?

Correct Answer: B

Q5.What percentage of India's population was composed of adolescents (age 10-19) in 2011?

Correct Answer: B

Q6.Consider a hypothetical scenario where a new policy is introduced in India to enhance the literacy rate among adolescents. If the current adolescent literacy rate is 75% and the policy aims to increase it by 15% over the next decade, what would be the new adolescent literacy rate?

Correct Answer: C

Q7.Which state has the highest density of population in India as per the 2011 Census?

Correct Answer: B

Q8.Which of the following states had the lowest density of population in 2011?

Correct Answer: A

Q9.What percentage of India's population lived in rural areas according to the 2011 Census?

Correct Answer: B

Q10.A new district in India, 'Yland', has a rural population of 70% and an urban population of 30%. If the total population of 'Yland' is 1 million, how many people live in rural areas?

Correct Answer: C

Q11.Assume a new linguistic group is discovered in India, contributing to 1.5% of the total population. If the total population is 1,210 million, how many people belong to this new linguistic group?

Correct Answer: A

Q12.Which period is referred to as the 'stagnant phase' of India's population growth?

Correct Answer: A

Q13.Which of the following states has a very high proportion of rural population?

Correct Answer: C

Q14.A new urban development project is planned in a state with an urban population growth rate of 3% per annum. If the current urban population is 10 million, what will be the urban population after 5 years?

Correct Answer: D

Q15.During which phase did India experience a 'population explosion' due to a rapid fall in mortality rate but high fertility rate?

Correct Answer: C

Q16.Which language family has the smallest number of speakers in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q17.Consider a hypothetical scenario where a new state in India, named 'Xland', is formed. The state has a population density of 500 people per square kilometer and covers an area of 10,000 square kilometers. Calculate the total population of 'Xland'.

Correct Answer: A

Q18.Which of the following factors is NOT a reason for the decline in the proportion of workers in the agricultural sector in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q19.If a new language family is discovered in India with a population of speakers constituting 5% of the total population, and the total population is 1.21 billion, how many people speak this new language?

Correct Answer: B

Q20.Which of the following states had the lowest growth rate of population during the 2001-2011 decade?

Correct Answer: A

Q21.Which phase is referred to as the period of population explosion in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q22.During which phase did India experience a 'population explosion'?

Correct Answer: C

Q23.What was the primary factor contributing to the population explosion in India during the period 1951-1981?

Correct Answer: B

Q24.Which state registered the lowest population growth rate from 1991-2001?

Correct Answer: A

Q25.In a study of population growth, it is observed that a certain region in India had a negative growth rate between 1911 and 1921. Which of the following factors is most likely to have contributed to this negative growth?

Correct Answer: B

Q26.What is the primary reason for the high density of population in the North Indian Plains?

Correct Answer: B

Q27.In a hypothetical scenario, a new census reveals that the ratio of male to female workers in the agricultural sector is 3:2. If there are 15 million male workers, how many female workers are there?

Correct Answer: A

Q28.Which language family has the highest percentage of speakers in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q29.Imagine a scenario where a new linguistic family is discovered in India, comprising 5% of the population. If the total population of India is 1.3 billion, how many people belong to this new linguistic family?

Correct Answer: A

Q30.Imagine a new policy is implemented in India that significantly improves female literacy rates. Which of the following outcomes is most likely to occur as a result of this policy?