7. Population
Complete solutions to the textbook exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Eight Geography.
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Exercises
(A) If the birth rate is greater than the death rate then the population.
- (i) decreases
- ✓ (ii) increases
- (iii) remains constant
- (iv) becomes surplus
Answer: increases
(B) People of ..... age group are included in the productive population.
- (i) 0 to 14
- (ii) 14 to 60
- (iii) 15 to 60
- ✓ (iv) 15 to 59
Answer: 15 to 59
(C) The spread of modern technology in society is mostly dependant on
- (i) Sex Ratio
- (ii) Birth Rate
- ✓ (iii) Literacy
- (iv) Migration
Answer: Literacy
(a) The population density of a region can be understood from its area.
Answer: Incorrect
Correct Statement: The population density of a region cannot be understood from its area alone; it is calculated by taking the ratio of the total population of a country to its total area.
(b) The quality of population is determined on the basis of literacy.
Answer: Correct
(c) There is an adverse impact on manpower in the regions of out migration.
Answer: Correct
(d) Greater economic prosperity indicates the development of a region.
Answer: Incorrect
Correct Statement: Only economic prosperity does not mean development. Real development is also related to the quality of life, available opportunities, health, and freedom.
(e) Developing countries have an HDI of 1.
Answer: Incorrect
Correct Statement: Highly developed regions have a Human Development Index (HDI) value close to 1, whereas developing countries have a lower HDI value.
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(a) What are the aspects considered in the structure of population?
The structure of a population considers various subdivisions and their interrelationships. These aspects include the sex ratio (male to female), age groups (children, adults, old), literacy rates (literate and illiterate), area of residence (rural and urban), and the occupational structure (working/productive and non-working/dependent population).
(b) Prepare a list of advantageous and disadvantageous factors, affecting population distribution.
| Factor Type | Advantageous Factors (Dense Population) | Disadvantageous Factors (Sparse Population) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Factors | Favourable climate, plain terrain, fertile soil, and availability of mineral resources. | Harsh climate, undulating/mountainous terrain, barren soil, and scarcity of minerals. |
| Economic & Political | Growth in agriculture and industry, urbanisation, good transport, markets, and political stability. | Lack of industries and transport, economic backwardness, political instability, and wars. |
(c) What are the problems in areas of high population densities?
Areas with high population densities face severe pressure on available resources. Common problems include a shortage of housing, inadequate drinking water supply, immense strain on public amenities, traffic congestion, high unemployment rates, and increased environmental pollution.
(d) What are the problems in area of low population densities?
Areas with low population densities often experience a severe shortage of manpower required for economic development activities. Because the population is scattered and sparse, it becomes very difficult to establish and maintain adequate public facilities like schools, hospitals, transportation networks, and markets.
(a) Population is an important resource.
Rather than just the numbers, the quality of a country's population makes it a crucial resource. A population that is healthy, educated, and skilled efficiently supplies the required workforce for various occupations. This qualitative manpower utilizes the country's natural resources optimally, which leads to the overall economic, social, and cultural development of the nation.
(b) Productive population is an important group.
The productive population consists of individuals between the ages of 15 and 59. This group directly participates in the economic activities of the region by engaging in various jobs, services, and businesses. The dependent population (children below 15 and elders above 60) relies entirely on them. Regions with a high proportion of this active working group, especially the youth, experience rapid economic development.
(c) The study of age structures is important.
Subdividing the population into different age groups helps us understand the age structure. Studying this structure is important because it provides a clear picture of the exact proportion of the active (productive) population and the dependent population. This understanding is vital for future population projections and for the government to plan economic policies, health care, and educational facilities effectively.
(d) Literacy is directly related to development.
Literacy is a primary indicator of a society's social and economic development. A literate population is more aware, skilled, and cultured. They can easily adopt modern technology and actively participate in the economy. Higher literacy rates lead to better health, a progressive society, and overall economic prosperity, making literacy directly proportional to national development.
(e) The real progress of a country is understood with the help of the Human Development Index.
In the past, only economic prosperity (gross national product) was used to measure development. However, money alone does not guarantee happiness or a good quality of life. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a much broader and more accurate yardstick. It measures development based on three vital parameters: economic (standard of living), health (life expectancy), and education (number of years of schooling). Hence, it reflects the true, overall progress of a country.
(A) Sex ratio
The sex ratio is a statistical indicator that measures the proportion of males and females in a population. It is calculated by dividing the total number of females by the total number of males, multiplied by 1000. When the number of females is roughly equal to males, the population is considered balanced. An imbalanced sex ratio (where females are fewer) often points to social issues like a low female birth rate or high out-migration of men for employment purposes.
(B) Age Structure
Age structure refers to the classification of a population into various age groups. It broadly categorizes people into the productive population (aged 15 to 59) and the dependent population (children under 15 and senior citizens above 60). The productive group drives the economic activities of a country. Analyzing the age structure helps the government understand the dynamics of its workforce and plan public policies accordingly.
(C) Literacy
Literacy is the ability of an individual to read and write. In India, any person above the age of seven who can read and write is considered literate. The literacy rate highlights the quality of the population and serves as a fundamental benchmark for social and economic development. An increase in literacy translates to the creation of a progressive, culturally advanced, and economically strong society.
Note: The activity asking you to survey 5 families in your neighbourhood based on sex, age groups, education, and occupation is a practical field exercise meant to be conducted by students personally. Use the data collected to create a small presentation.