- Understand the significance of population in social studies.
- Analyze the factors influencing population growth and distribution in India.
- Define key terms related to population, such as birth rate, death rate, and migration.
- Evaluate the impact of migration on population change.
- Discuss the components of population growth, including birth rates, death rates, and migration.
- Assess the implications of the National Population Policy 2000 on population management.
Population
Learning Objectives
TopRevision Notes & Summary
TopPopulation Growth and Change
Key Concepts
- Population Growth: Refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a country/territory during a specific period of time.
- Magnitude of Increase: The absolute numbers added each year or decade, obtained by subtracting the earlier population from the later population.
- Rate of Increase: The pace of population increase, expressed in percentage per annum.
Important Statistics
| Year | Total Population (in million) | Absolute Increase in the Decade (in million) | Annual Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 361.0 | 42.43 | 1.25 |
| 1961 | 439.2 | 78.15 | 1.96 |
| 1971 | 548.2 | 108.92 | 2.20 |
| 1981 | 683.3 | 135.17 | 2.22 |
| 1991 | 846.4 | 163.09 | 2.16 |
| 2001 | 1028.7 | 182.32 | 1.97 |
| 2011 | 1210.6 | 181.46 | 1.64 |
Factors Influencing Population Change
- Birth Rates: The number of live births for every 1000 persons in a year.
- Death Rates: The number of deaths per 1000 persons in a year.
- Migration: Movement of people from one place to another, which can be internal (within a country) or external (between countries).
Components of Population Growth
- Age Structure: The distribution of various age groups in a population.
- Dependency Ratio: The ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years).
Population Distribution
- Uneven Distribution: Population is not evenly spread across India; for example, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state, while Sikkim has a very small population.
- Density of Population: Varies significantly, with some states having high densities due to fertile land and favorable conditions, while others are sparsely populated due to rugged terrain and unfavorable climates.
National Population Policy 2000
- Aimed at achieving a stable population by 2045 and improving the quality of life.
Census of India
- The first complete census was conducted in 1881, and it provides comprehensive demographic, social, and economic data.
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
TopCommon Mistakes and Exam Tips
Common Pitfalls
- Misunderstanding Population Terms: Students often confuse terms like population growth, population change, and migration. Ensure clarity on definitions.
- Ignoring Census Data: Failing to analyze census data properly can lead to incorrect conclusions about population distribution and growth.
- Overlooking Components of Population Growth: Not recognizing the significance of birth rates, death rates, and migration as components of population change can affect overall understanding.
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Review Key Definitions: Familiarize yourself with definitions such as birth rate, death rate, and migration to avoid confusion.
- Practice with Census Questions: Engage with practice questions related to census data to improve your analytical skills.
- Understand Population Dynamics: Focus on how different factors like birth rates and migration impact population growth and structure.
- Use Visual Aids: Diagrams and charts can help in visualizing population distribution and growth trends, making it easier to remember key concepts.
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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
TopMultiple Choice Questions
A.
An increase in birth rates and a decrease in death rates.
B.
A decrease in birth rates and an increase in death rates.
C.
An increase in immigration and a decrease in emigration.
D.
An increase in life expectancy and a decrease in birth rates.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A decrease in birth rates and an increase in death rates would lead to a decrease in the growth rate of a population.
A.
A period when a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult, aged 10 to 19 years.
B.
A period when a person is considered an adult, aged 20 to 30 years.
C.
A period when a person is a child, aged 0 to 9 years.
D.
A period when a person is considered elderly, aged 60 and above.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Adolescence is defined as the period when a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult, typically grouped in the age range of 10 to 19 years.
A.
can read and write his/her name
B.
can read and write any language
C.
is 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding
D.
knows the 3 'R's (reading, writing, arithmetic)
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
A literate person is defined as someone who is at least 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding.
A.
Fold
B.
Fault
C.
Geosyncline
D.
Plateau
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A fault is a linear break in rocks of the earth's crust along which there has been displacement in a horizontal, vertical, or oblique direction.
A.
Birth rates
B.
Death rates
C.
Migration
D.
All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Population change is influenced by birth rates, death rates, and migration.
A.
1.6 million
B.
1.2 million
C.
1.8 million
D.
2 million
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The dependency ratio is calculated as the ratio of dependents (people below 15 and above 60 years) to the economically active population (15-59 years). If the dependency ratio is 60%, it means that for every 100 economically active individuals, there are 60 dependents. Therefore, if the economically active population is 1 million, the number of dependents is 0.6 million. The total population is the sum of the economically active population and dependents: million.
A.
The ratio of people aged 15-59 to those below 15 and above 60 years
B.
The ratio of the economically active population to the total population
C.
The ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years)
D.
The ratio of males to females in a population
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The dependency ratio is defined as the ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years).
A.
A high-altitude plateau with steep slopes
B.
A level tract of land made up of fine rock material brought down by a river
C.
A narrow, elongated basin with a sinking bottom
D.
A mass of snow and ice that moves slowly under the influence of gravity
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
An alluvial plain is a level tract of land made up of alluvium or fine rock material brought down by a river.
A.
High life expectancies
B.
More married couples
C.
High death rates
D.
High fertility rates
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
High fertility rates are a primary factor contributing to a high birth rate in a population.
A.
Rugged terrain and unfavorable climatic conditions
B.
High birth rates in certain regions
C.
Government policies on population control
D.
Migration patterns favoring urban areas
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The uneven distribution of population in India is primarily due to rugged terrain and unfavorable climatic conditions, which make certain areas less habitable.
A.
High birth rates
B.
High death rates
C.
High life expectancies
D.
More married couples
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
A large proportion of children in a population is typically due to high birth rates.
A.
The number of deaths per 1000 persons in a year.
B.
The number of live births for every 1000 persons in a year.
C.
The ratio of people of dependent age to economically active ages.
D.
The average number of persons per unit area.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The birth rate is the number of live births for every 1000 persons in a year.
A.
The number of people living in a city.
B.
The average number of people per unit area, such as a square kilometer.
C.
The total population of a country divided by its land area.
D.
The number of people living in rural areas compared to urban areas.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Population density is defined as the average number of persons per unit area, such as a square kilometer.
A.
10 per 1000
B.
15 per 1000
C.
20 per 1000
D.
25 per 1000
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The natural increase rate is calculated as the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. Therefore, it is 30 - 15 = 15 per 1000.
A.
The number of females per thousand males
B.
The number of live births per 1000 persons
C.
The average number of persons per unit area
D.
The number of deaths per 1000 persons
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Density of population is defined as the average number of persons per unit area.
A.
40,000
B.
20,000
C.
60,000
D.
50,000
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The natural increase in population is the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. Here, the birth rate is 30 per 1000 and the death rate is 10 per 1000, giving a natural increase rate of 20 per 1000. For a population of 2 million, the natural increase is per year.
A.
The ratio of males to females in a population
B.
The ratio of economically active individuals to dependents
C.
The ratio of people of dependent age to people of economically active ages
D.
The ratio of children to adults in a population
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The dependency ratio is defined as the ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years).
A.
A country with a high number of people aged 15-59 and fewer children and elderly.
B.
A country with equal numbers of children, working-age adults, and elderly.
C.
A country with a large number of children and elderly compared to working-age adults.
D.
A country with a declining birth rate and increasing life expectancy.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The dependency ratio measures the proportion of dependents (children below 15 and elderly above 60) to the working-age population (15-59 years). A high dependency ratio indicates more dependents than working-age adults.
A.
A mass of snow and ice that moves slowly.
B.
A salt-water lake separated from the sea by sandbars and spits.
C.
A narrow, shallow, elongated basin with a sinking bottom.
D.
A level tract of land made up of alluvium.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A lagoon is a salt-water lake separated from the sea by sandbars and spits.
A.
Immigration
B.
Migration
C.
Emigration
D.
Urbanization
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another.
A.
Rugged terrain and unfavourable climatic conditions.
B.
Flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall.
C.
Hilly, dissected, and rocky nature of the terrain.
D.
Moderate to low rainfall and shallow soils.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Northern plains and Kerala have high to very high population densities due to flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall.
A.
It is the total population at the end of a given time period.
B.
It is the total population at the beginning of a given time period.
C.
It is the average population over a decade.
D.
It is the population of a specific age group.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The base population refers to the total population of an area at the beginning of a given time period, which is used to calculate growth rates.
A.
A system comprising the physical environment and organisms living therein
B.
Plant communities occurring in distinct groups in areas with similar climatic conditions
C.
A large segment of the earth's crust floating above the asthenosphere
D.
The average number of persons per unit area
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A biome refers to plant communities occurring in distinct groups in areas with similar climatic conditions.
A.
Birth rate
B.
Death rate
C.
Migration
D.
Life expectancy
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Life expectancy is not a direct component of population growth, unlike birth rate, death rate, and migration.
A.
50 million
B.
5 million
C.
10 million
D.
55 million
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The absolute increase in population is calculated by subtracting the initial population from the final population: 550 million - 500 million = 50 million.
A.
A high-pressure area in temperate regions
B.
A hollow sunken area of the earth's surface
C.
An area of relatively low atmospheric pressure
D.
A mass of snow and ice moving under gravity
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
In meteorology, a depression denotes an area of relatively low atmospheric pressure, which is found mainly in temperate regions.
A.
It measures the number of females per thousand males.
B.
It indicates the proportion of children in a population.
C.
It is the ratio of people of dependent age to those of economically active ages.
D.
It refers to the number of persons added to a population each year.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The dependency ratio is the ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years).
A.
Increased emigration
B.
Decline in birth rates
C.
Increased death rates
D.
Higher life expectancy
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The decline in India's population growth rate since 1981 is primarily due to a decline in birth rates.
A.
High birth rates
B.
High death rates
C.
Low migration rates
D.
High literacy rates
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
High birth rates have always been higher than death rates in India, making them a major component of population growth.
A.
Rugged terrain
B.
Fertile soils and abundant rainfall
C.
Low rainfall
D.
Rocky nature of the terrain
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Northern Plains have high population densities due to flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall.
A.
10 per 1000
B.
15 per 1000
C.
25 per 1000
D.
35 per 1000
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The natural increase rate is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate. Here, it is 25 - 10 = 15 per 1000.
A.
A period of life from 10 to 19 years
B.
A period of life from 20 to 29 years
C.
A period of life from 5 to 9 years
D.
A period of life from 30 to 39 years
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Adolescence is defined as the period in which a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult, grouped in the age range of 10 to 19 years.
A.
The number of live births per 1000 persons in a year
B.
The number of deaths per 1000 persons in a year
C.
The number of children born in a decade
D.
The number of females per 1000 males
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Birth rate is defined as the number of live births for every 1000 persons in a year.
A.
It refers to a drainage system where rivers do not reach the ocean.
B.
It is the scientific concept that explains the movements of the crustal plates.
C.
It is the average number of years one is expected to live.
D.
It is a narrow, shallow, elongated basin with a sinking bottom.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Plate tectonics is the scientific concept that explains the movements of the crustal plates.
A.
Rugged terrain and unfavourable climatic conditions
B.
Flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall
C.
High birth and death rates
D.
Presence of major industrial hubs
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The Northern Plains have high population densities due to their flat plains, fertile soils, and abundant rainfall, which are conducive to agriculture and human settlement.
A.
The average number of years one is expected to live.
B.
The number of deaths per 1000 persons in a year.
C.
The number of live births per 1000 persons in a year.
D.
The average number of persons per unit area.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Life expectancy is the average number of years one is expected to live.
A.
The total population of an area at the end of a given time period
B.
The total population of an area at the beginning of a given time period
C.
The number of births per 1000 persons in a year
D.
The number of deaths per 1000 persons in a year
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Base population refers to the total population of an area at the beginning of a given time period, which is used as a reference for calculating growth rates.
A.
The ratio of people of dependent age to people of economically active ages.
B.
The number of live births per 1000 persons in a year.
C.
The number of deaths per 1000 persons in a year.
D.
The average number of persons per unit area.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The dependency ratio is the ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years).
A.
total land area
B.
base population
C.
number of births
D.
number of deaths
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The growth rate of population is determined by comparing the increase in population with the base population.
A.
Increased biodiversity
B.
Shift in plant community composition
C.
Decrease in plant height
D.
Increase in soil fertility
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A sudden increase in temperature can lead to a shift in plant community composition as some species may not be able to tolerate the new conditions, while others may thrive. This can alter the existing balance and lead to changes in the biome.
A.
A mass of snow and ice that moves slowly under the influence of gravity
B.
A linear break in rocks of the earth's crust along which there has been displacement
C.
A narrow, shallow, elongated basin with a sinking bottom
D.
A bend in the rock strata resulting from compression
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A fault is a linear break in rocks of the earth's crust along which there has been displacement in a horizontal, vertical, or oblique direction.
A.
Decrease in population density
B.
Increase in population growth rate
C.
Decrease in dependency ratio
D.
Increase in literacy rate
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
An increase in the birth rate with no change in death rate or migration will directly lead to an increase in the population growth rate, as more individuals are being added to the population through births.
A.
The total population of an area
B.
The number of persons added each year
C.
The rate at which the population increases
D.
The number of females per thousand males
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The term 'absolute increase' refers to the number of persons added each year.
A.
the area of departure
B.
the area of arrival
C.
both the area of departure and arrival
D.
none of the above
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Migration affects both the area of departure and the area of arrival by altering the population size and composition.
A.
552 million
B.
550 million
C.
510 million
D.
560 million
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The population after 5 years can be calculated using the formula for compound interest: where is the initial population, is the growth rate, and is the time in years. Here, million, , and . Thus, million. Therefore, the population will be approximately 552 million.
A.
Maharashtra
B.
Bihar
C.
Uttar Pradesh
D.
West Bengal
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
According to the 2011 Census, Uttar Pradesh had the highest population in India.
A.
Movement of people within a country
B.
Movement of people between countries
C.
Both internal and external movement of people
D.
Movement of people for employment
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Migration refers to both internal and external movement of people.
A.
high birth rates
B.
high life expectancies
C.
high death rates
D.
more married couples
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
High birth rates lead to a larger proportion of children in the population.
A.
The absolute number of people added each year is decreasing.
B.
India's base population is very large, leading to significant absolute increases even at lower growth rates.
C.
The birth rate has surpassed the death rate significantly.
D.
Migration from other countries is the primary cause of population growth.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
India's population continues to grow because even a low growth rate applied to a large base population results in a significant absolute increase.
A.
The movement of people from rural to urban areas within the same country.
B.
The movement of people from one country to another for permanent settlement.
C.
Both internal movement within a country and international movement between countries.
D.
Temporary movement of people for tourism purposes.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Migration includes both internal movement within a country (e.g., rural to urban) and external movement between countries (immigration and emigration).
A.
A system comprising the physical environment and organisms living therein.
B.
Plant communities occurring in distinct groups in areas with similar climatic conditions.
C.
The total vegetation or plant cover of a region.
D.
The animal life of a given area.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A biome refers to plant communities occurring in distinct groups in areas having similar climatic conditions.
A.
A system comprising the physical environment and organisms.
B.
Plant communities occurring in distinct groups in areas with similar climatic conditions.
C.
A body of water surrounded by land.
D.
A linear break in rocks of the earth's crust.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A biome is defined as plant communities occurring in distinct groups in areas having similar climatic conditions.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The dependency ratio is actually the ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years).
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Migration changes the number, distribution, and composition of the population in both the area of departure and arrival.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The growth rate of India's population increased until 1981 but has been declining since then.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
A plateau is defined as an extensive elevated area of relatively flat land.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The birth rate is indeed defined as the number of live births per 1000 persons in a year.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
According to the Census, a 'literate' person is indeed defined as someone who can read and write any language with understanding and is at least 7 years old.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
A lagoon is a salt-water lake separated from the sea by sandbars and spits, not a freshwater lake.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The Census defines a 'literate' person as someone who is at least 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The sex-ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand males.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
A large proportion of children in a population is a result of high birth rates.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Migration affects both the area of departure and the area of arrival by changing the number, distribution, and composition of the population.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The sex-ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand males.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Adolescence is defined as the period in which a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult, typically grouped in the age range of 10 to 19 years.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Adolescence is defined as the period in which a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult, grouped in the age range of 10 to 19 years.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The growth rate of population can be measured annually or over a decade.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Indian Standard Time is based on the local time along the Standard Meridian of India, which is 82°30'E.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The dependency ratio is defined as the ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of economically active ages (15-59 years).
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The growth rate of population can be measured annually or over a decade.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The birth rate is indeed the number of live births for every 1000 persons in a year.