GEOGRAPHY NOTES

 Chapter – 1
 India – Size and Location
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i). The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Orissa
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Tripura
Ans: (c) Orissa
(ii). The easternmost longitude of India is
(a) 97° 25′ E
(b) 68° 7′ E
(c) 77° 6′ E
(d) 82° 32′ E
Ans: (a) 97°25′
(iii). Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim
have common frontiers with
(a) China
(b) Bhutan
(c) Nepal
(d) Myanmar
Ans: (c) Nepal
(iv). If you intend to visit Kavaratti during your summer vacations,
which one of the following Union Territories of India you will be going
to
(a) Puducherry
(b) Lakshadweep
(c) Andaman and Nicobar
(d) Diu and Daman
Ans: (c) Lakshadweep
(v). My friend hails from a country which does not share land
boundary with India. Identify the country
(a) Bhutan
(b) Tajikistan
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Nepal
Ans: (b) Tajikistan
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i). Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian sea.
Ans: Lakshadweep
(ii). Name the countries which are larger than India.
Ans: Russia, Canada, China, USA, Brazil and Australia
(iii). Which Island group of India lies to its south-east?
Ans: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(iv). Which Island countries are our southern neighbours?
Ans: Maldives and Sri Lanka
3. The sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh as compared
to Gujarat in the west, but the watches show the same time. How does
this happen?
Ans: A 1-degree longitudinal gap equals a 4-minute time difference.
Therefore, a 30-degree longitudinal gap results in a time difference
of 120 minutes, which is equal to 2 hours. So, to remove the
longitudinal gap the watches in Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat show
the same time because all of India follows a single time zone, Indian
Standard Time (IST), which is based on the 82.5° East longitude that
runs near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. This is done for administrative
convenience and national unity.
4. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is
considered of great significance. Why?
Ans: The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is
considered of great significance due to the following reasons:
• India has access to African and Southeast Asian nations due to its
central location.
• Due to this India has good trade relations with Southeast Asian
nations, Gulf nations and even with the African nations.
• The monsoons in India are also due to the presence of the Indian
Ocean.
MAP SKILLS
1. Identify the following with the help of map reading.
(i) The island groups of India lying in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of
Bengal.
(ii) The countries constituting Indian subcontinent.
(iii) The States through which the Tropic of Cancer passes.
(iv) The northernmost latitude in degrees.
(v) The southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland in degrees.
(vi) The eastern and the western-most longitude in degrees.
(vii) The place situated on the three seas.
(viii) The strait separating Sri Lanka from India.
(ix) The Union Territories of India.
  Chapter – 2
 Physical Features of India
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i). A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as
a. Coast
b. Island
c. Peninsula
d. None of the above
Ans. (c) Peninsula
(ii). Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with
Myanmar are collectively called as
a. Himachal
b. Uttarakhand
c. Purvachal
d. None of the above
Ans. (c) Purvachal
(iii). The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as
a. Coromandel
b. Konkan
c. Kannad
d. Northern Circars
Ans. (b) Kannad
(iv). The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
a. Anai Mudi
b. Kanchenjunga
c. Mahendragiri
d. Khasi
Ans: (c) Mahendragiri
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is the bhabar?
Ans. Bhabar is a narrow, gently sloping belt of land found at the foothills of the
Shiwalik range, where rivers deposit coarse, permeable materials like pebbles
and rocks. This zone, about 8-16 km wide, causes streams to disappear
underground, and its gravelly nature makes it unsuitable for agriculture.
(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
Ans. The three major divisions of the Himalayas are:
1. The Great or the Inner Himalayas or the Himadri
2. The Middle Himalayas or the Himachal
3. The Outer Himalayas or the Shivaliks
(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
Ans. The Malwa plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan
Ranges.
(iv) Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Ans. Lakshadweep Islands is the island group of India which has a coral
origin.
3. Distinguish between:
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
Ans:

(ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats

Ans:

4. Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the

relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.
Ans: The major physiographic divisions of India are:
• The Himalayan Mountains
• The Northern Plains
• The Peninsular Plateau
• The Indian Desert
• The Coastal Plains
• The Islands
5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.
Ans: The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of the fertile
alluvium that was deposited by the rivers originating in the Himalayas.
They stretch from the south of the northern mountains to the north of the
peninsular plateau and towards the east of the Indian desert. It is divided
into three parts, i.e. Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains and the Brahmaputra
Plains. The Northern plains cover approximately 3000 kilometers and there
are several rivers that drain this region such as Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, Ganga,
Yamuna, Ghagra, Gandak, Kosi, Chambal, Betwa, Son, etc.
The North Indian Plains are divided into four different zones:
1. Bhabhar 2. Tarai 3. Bangar 4. Khadar
6. Write short notes on the following.
(i). The Indian Desert
Ans: The Great Indian Desert is also known as the Thar Desert and is located in
Rajasthan, India and also in Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan. A part of the desert is
also located in the states of Gujarat and Haryana. The Thar desert is a very dry
region in between the countries of India and Pakistan and is highly scarce in
water availability and the only water sources are the natural and man-made
ponds across the region. Due to this reason, the people generally live a nomadic
life, which involves their constant movement from place to place. The Luni River
is an important river in the Thar desert, and it drains a large area of the desert.
The other major river is Ghaggar which flows in the northern and eastern part of
the desert.
(ii). The Central Highlands
Ans: The parts of the peninsular plateau which are found in the north of the
River Narmada and generally covers a major portion of the Malwa plateau is
known as the Central Highlands. The rivers which drain this region flow from
southwest to northeast, due to their slope. The Central Highlands are wider in
the western side but narrow down towards the east. In Madhya Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, they are known as Bundelkhand and Baghelkhad.
The Chotanagpur plateau is in the extreme east of the Central Highlands with
the the Damodar River flowing through it.
(iii). The Island groups of India
Ans: There are two island groups controlled by India. They are located in the
Arabian Sea (Lakshadweep Islands) and the Bay of Bengal (Andaman and
Nicobar Islands). These islands are located off the Malabar coast of India. The
capital city of Lakshadweep Islands is Kavaratti and is the smallest Union
territory by area and the second smallest by population. The Islands of
Lakshadweep provide India a strategic base in the Arabian Sea and India is able
to reach out to the Maldives and other regions in the Indian Ocean in crucial
times.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 islands. The Nicobar
Islands extend close to the Sumatra islands which make the reach of India to
Southeast Asian nations very easy, The Indian Navy also maintains a base in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands which helps it to control the vessels passing
through the strait of Malacca. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands also have the
North Sentinel Island which has the most primitive people from the human race
and are untouched by civilization and they are known as the Sentinelese people.

MAP SKILLS
On an outline map of India show the following.
(i) Mountain and hill ranges – the Karakoram, the Zaskar, the Patkai
Bum, the Jaintia, the Vindhya range, the Aravali, and the Cardamom
hills.
(ii) Peaks – K2, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and the Anai Mudi.

(iii) Plateaus, Chotanagpur and Malwa

(iv) The Indian Desert, Western Ghats, Lakshadweep Islands

 Chapter – 3
  Drainage
Q.1 Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) In which of the following states is the Wular lake located?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Punjab
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Ans: Jammu and Kashmir.
(ii) The river Narmada has its source at
(a) Satpura
(b) Amarkantak
(c) Brahmagiri
(d) Slopes of the Western Ghat.
Ans: Amarkantak
(iii) Which one of the following lakes is a saltwater lake?
(a) Sambhar
(b) Wular
(c) Dal
(d) Gobind Sagar
Ans: Sambhar
(iv) Which one of the following is the longest river in Peninsular India?
(a) Narmada
(b) Godavari
(c) Krishna
(d) Mahanadi
Ans: Godavari
(v) Which one amongst the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
(a) Mahanadi
(b) Krishna
(c) Tungabhadra
(d) Tapi
Ans: Tapi
Q.2 Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is meant by a water divide? Give an example.
Answer: Any elevated area, such as a mountain or an upland, separates two
drainage basins. Such an upland is known as a water divide. For example,
the water divide between the Indus and the Ganga river systems.
(ii) Which is the largest river basin in India?
Answer: Ganga River basin is the largest river basin in India.
(iii) Where do the rivers Indus and Ganga have their origin?
Answer: Indus river origin - Near Manasarovar Lake, Tibet Ganga River
origin - Gangotri glacier in Uttaranchal
(iv) Name the two headstreams of the Ganga. Where do they meet to form
the Ganga?
Answer: The two headstreams of Ganga are Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
They both meet to form Ganga at Devprayag.
(v) Why does the Brahmaputra in its Tibetan part have less silt, despite a
longer course?
Answer: In Tibet, the river carries a smaller volume of water and less silt as
it is a cold and a dry area. In India, it passes through a region of high
rainfall. Here the river carries a large volume of water and a considerable
amount of silt.
(vi) Which two Peninsular rivers flow through trough?
Answer: Narmada and Tapi are the two Peninsular rivers that flow
through the trough.

vii) State some economic benefits of rivers and lakes.

Answer: Rivers have been of fundamental importance throughout human
history. Water from rivers is a basic natural resource, essential for various
human activities. Therefore, riverbanks have attracted settlers from
ancient times. Using rivers for irrigation, navigation, hydropower
generation is of special significance — particularly to a country like India,
where agriculture is the major source of livelihood of the majority of its
population.
Q.3 Below are given names of a few lakes of India. Group them under two
categories – natural and created by human beings. (a) Wular (b) Dal (c)
Nainital (d) Bhimtal (e) Gobind Sagar (f) Loktak (g) Barapani (h) Chilika
(i) Sambhar (j) Rana Pratap Sagar (k) Nizam Sagar (l) Pulicat (m)
Nagarjuna Sagar (n) Hirakund
Answer: Natural Lakes:
1. Wular
2. Dal
3. Nainital
4. Bhimtal
5. Loktal
6. Chilika
7. Pulicat
8. Sambhar
9. Barapani.
Man-made lakes
1. Gobind Sagar
2. Rana Pratap Sagar
3. Nizam Sagar
4. Nagarjuan Sagar
5. Hirakud
Q.4 Discuss the significant difference between the Himalayan and the
Peninsular rivers.
Answer: Himalayan Rivers:
1. These are perennial rivers
2. Receive water from Rains and Snowfall
Peninsular Rivers:
[Link] are seasonal rivers
2. Dependent on rainfall. During dry seasons, the rivers get dried up.
Q.5 Compare the east-flowing and the west-flowing rivers of the Peninsular
plateau.
Answer: West flowing rivers:
1. There are only 2 long West flowing rivers - Narmada and Tapi.
2. They flow into the Arabian Sea
3. They have a lesser number of tributaries
4. Form estuaries
5. Carry lesser sediments.
East flowing rivers:
1. Many major rivers Mahanadi, Cauvery, Godavari, Krishna
2. They flow into the Bay of Bengal
3. Have many tributaries
4. Forms Deltas
5. Carry larger sediments than West flowing rivers.
Q.6 Why are rivers important for the country’s economy?
Answer: Rivers have been of fundamental importance throughout human
history. Water from rivers is a basic natural resource, essential for various
human activities. Therefore, riverbanks have attracted settlers from
ancient times. These settlements have now become big cities. Make a list of
cities in your state which are located on the bank of a river. Using rivers for
irrigation, navigation, hydropower generation is of special significance —
particularly to a country like India, where agriculture is the major source
of livelihood of the majority of its population.

MAP SKILLS
(i) On an outline map of India mark and label the following rivers:
Ganga, Satluj, Damodar, Krishna, Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi, and
Brahmaputra.
(ii) On an outline map of India mark and label the following lakes:
Chilika, Sambhar, Wular, Pulicat, Kolleru.
  Chapter – 4
 Climate
1. Choose the correct answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i). Which one of the following places receives the highest rainfall in the
world?
(a) Silchar
(b) Mawsynram
(c) Cherrapunji
(d) Guwahati
Ans: (b) Mawsynram
(ii). The wind blowing in the northern plains in summers is known as:
(a) Kaal Baisakhi
(b) Loo
(c) Trade Winds
(d) None of the above
Ans: (b) Loo
(iii). Monsoon arrives in India approximately in:
(a) Early May
(b) Early July
(c) Early June
(d) Early August
Ans: (c) Early June
(iv). Which one of the following characterises the cold weather season in India?
(a) Warm days and warm nights
(b) Warm days and cold nights
(c) Cool days and cold nights
(d) Cold days and warm nights
Ans: (c) Cool days and cold nights
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i). What are the controls affecting the climate of India?
Ans: The controls affecting the climate of India are temperature,
atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation.
(ii). Why does India have a monsoon type of climate?
Ans: India comes in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and
together with factors such as El Nino, Coriolis Force and Jet Streams, India
gets a unique type of climate which is called the Monsoon type of climate in
India.
(iii). Which part of India does experience the highest diurnal range of
temperature and why?
Ans: The North-western part of India experiences the highest diurnal
range of temperature as it receives the least amount of rainfall and also it is
away from sea. So, the temperatures go to the extreme in this part of India.
(iv). Which winds account for rainfall along the Malabar coast?
Ans: The Malabar Coast gets most of the rainfall from the Southwest
monsoon winds. Sometimes, although rare, this coast experiences cyclones
as well which bring rainfall.
(v). Define monsoons. What do you understand by “break” in monsoon?
Ans: Monsoon break takes place due to the reversal of the wind direction.
This includes a wet and dry spell during the rainy season during which
very less rainfall takes place.
(vi). Why is the monsoon considered a unifying bond?
Ans: The monsoon in India influences almost all of the Indian Subcontinent
and most of the activities take place based on these winds. The flora and
fauna thrive in the subcontinent due to the monsoons and the crops are
grown successfully based on the timings of the monsoons. Many festivals
also take place based on the monsoon across India. So, the monsoon is
called a unifying bond in India.
3. Why does the rainfall decrease from the east to the west in Northern
India?
Ans: The rainfall in the eastern part of India occurs due to the Bay of
Bengal branch of southwest monsoons. As the winds move from Bengal to
the Gangetic plains, their moisture content decreases and by the time they
reach Punjab region, they are almost dry. So, a decrease is seen in the
amount of rainfall from east to west.
4. Give reasons as to why.
(i). Seasonal reversal of wind direction takes place over the Indian
subcontinent?
Ans: The seasonal reversal of wind direction over the Indian subcontinent
takes place due to pressure differences. The El Nino also plays a major role
in the seasonal reversal of wind direction over the Indian subcontinent.
(ii). The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months.
Ans: The monsoon season begins in India from June and by mid-July, it
covers almost all of the Indian Subcontinent. The retreat of monsoons
begins from September and not much rainfall occurs after that. Hence, in
the Indian subcontinent, the rainfall is concentrated over a few months.
(iii). The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall.
Ans: The Tamil Nadu coast, known as the Coromandel Coast receives
winter rainfall as the north-eastern winds, which are retreating monsoon
winds take up moisture as they move over Bay of Bengal during winters
and pour the rains due to obstruction from the Eastern Ghats. Since the
Coromandel Coast falls on the windward side, it gets winter rainfall.
(iv). The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones.
Ans: The Bay of Bengal is the centre of various pressure changes so many
cyclones develop in this region. Hence, the delta region of the Bay of Bengal
witnessed multiple cyclones.
(v). Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats
are drought- prone.
Ans: The parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western
Ghats are drought prone as the Arabian Sea branch does not give enough
rainfall in that region as it falls on the leeward side. The Aravalli
mountains lie parallel to the direction of the winds, so they do not force the
winds to cause rains. Also, the Bay of Bengal branch becomes dry till it
reaches Rajasthan.
5. Describe the regional variations in the climatic conditions of India with
the help of suitable examples.
Ans: There is a huge regional variation in the climatic conditions of India.
The Temperature and Precipitation vary not only from place to place but
also from season to season.
● In summers, the temperature goes up to 50°C in certain parts of
Rajasthan but it barely crosses 20°C in Pahalgam in Kashmir region.
● In winters, the night temperature in Dras sector of Kashmir is below
freezing point around -45°C but in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala it hardly
goes below 20°C.
● In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the difference between day and
night temperature is barely 7° – 8°C.
● The coastal areas experience less contrast in the temperature, whereas
the seasonal contrasts are more in the interior of the country.
● There is a decrease in rainfall generally from east to west in the northern
plains.
● Most parts of India get rainfall from June to August - September,
whereas the Coromandel Coast gets rainfall in the winter season. Odisha
gets rainfall from cyclones too.
6. Give an account of weather conditions and characteristics of the cold
season.
Ans: Following are the features of the cold season of India:
● The winter season begins from mid-November and continues till
February in northern India.
● December and January are the coldest months in the northern part of
India which consists of Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, etc.
● The average temperature ranges between 10°-15°C in the northern
plains, while it ranges around 24°-25°C in Southern India.
● The northeast trade winds prevail over the entire country in this period.
As these winds blow from land to sea, most parts of the country experience
a dry climate.
● The weather is usually marked by clear skies, low temperatures, low
humidity and weak variable winds.
● The inflow of the cyclonic disturbances from the west and the northwest
is a characteristic feature of the cold weather over the northern plains of
India.
● These low-pressure systems originate over the Mediterranean Sea and
Western Asia and move into India. They cause winter rains over the north
western plains and snowfall in the mountains.
● The winter rainfall is in small amounts but is very important for the rabi
crops which are harvested in March - April.
● The peninsular region does not get a well-defined winter because of the
moderating influence of the sea and its location in the Torrid Zone.
7. Give the characteristics and effects of the monsoon rainfall in India.
Ans: The characteristics of the monsoon rainfall in India are:
● The duration of the monsoon varies from 100 to 120 days which is from
early June to mid- September.
● Around the time of its arrival, the normal rainfall increases suddenly and
continues regularly for several days. This is also called the ‘burst’ of the
monsoons.
● The monsoons are distinguished from the pre-monsoon showers because
of their increase in rainfall amount and regularity.
● The monsoon arrives at the southern tip of the Indian Peninsular
generally by the first week of June.
● The rainfall is unevenly distributed across the country. The effects of the
monsoon rainfall in India:
● The agriculture in India largely depends on Indian monsoons for water.
Late, low or excessive rains have a highly negative impact upon crops.
● Due to uneven distribution of rainfall across the country, there are few
places that are drought prone such as Marathwada and Vidarbha and few
are flood prone such as Assam.
● The monsoon provides India with a diverse climatic pattern.
 MAP SKILLS
On an outline map of India, show the following.
(i) Areas receiving rainfall over 400 cm.
(ii) Areas receiving less than 20 cm of rainfall.
(iii) The direction of the south-west monsoon over India.
  Chapter – 5
 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
i. To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra
(b) Tidal
(c) Himalayan
(d) Tropical Evergreen
Ans: (d) Tropical Evergreen
ii. Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than
(a) 100 cm
(b) 50 cm
(c) 70 cm
(d) less than 50 cm
Ans: (a) 100 cm
iii. In which of the following state is the Simlipal bio-reserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
Ans: (c) Odisha
iv. Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the
world network of bio-reserve?
(a) Manas
(b) Nilgiri
(c) Gulf of Mannar
(d) Panna
Ans: (d) Panna
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
Ans: A bio-reserve is a protected natural area established by the
government to conserve biodiversity—including specific flora and fauna—
and their habitats, while also supporting sustainable development and
human communities within the area. Examples of bio-reserves include the
Sunderbans in West Bengal, known for its large mangrove forests and
unique ecosystem, and the Nilgiri Bio-reserve in Tamil Nadu, a protected
forest with a variety of animal species.
(ii) Name two animals having habitat in tropical and montane type of
vegetation.
Ans: Two animals in tropical vegetation are the Indian elephant and the
tiger, while two animals in montane vegetation are the Kashmir stag and
the yak or snow leopard.
3. Distinguish between
(i) Flora and Fauna
Ans:
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests
Ans:

4. Name different types of Vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation
of high altitudes.
Ans: The various types of vegetation found in India are noted below.
● Tropical evergreen forests
● Tropical deciduous forests
● Tropical thorn forests and scrubs
● Montane forests
● Mangrove forests
Vegetation of higher altitude: The mountains show the declining temperature
with the rise in altitude which constantly changes the vegetation in a natural
progression.
• The regions at a height of 1000 2000 − metres from sea level show wet
temperate forests. Here species of oak, chestnut, etc. evergreen trees with broad
leaves are found.
• The regions at a height of 1500 3000 − metres from the sea level show temperate
forests formed of coniferous trees such as pine, deodar, spruce, silver fir, cedar
etc.
• At the higher altitude, i.e., regions over 3600 metres, the alpine vegetation is
observed. The flora of such places is dominated by species of juniper, pine, birch,
silver fir, etc.
• The height of these plants gets stunted as the altitude reaches the snowline. The
trees there are mostly shrubs and scrubs which combine with the Alpine
grasslands.
• At very high altitudes, mostly mosses and lichens are observed which form the
tundra vegetation.
5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Ans: The reasons behind different plants and animals being endangered in India
are given below.
• Loss of habitat due to urbanisation and formation of industries.
• Deforestation in large areas to expand agricultural lands and residential areas.
• Pollution of soil, water and air.
• Illegal hunting and poaching in forests.
6. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
Ans: The rich heritage of flora and fauna in India has grown due to the following
reasons.
• The natural geographical diversity of India shows various relief features. The
presence of mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal areas has helped to develop
different types of vegetation that support diverse species of animals.
• The soil type of various parts of India changes with the nature of the relief.
Thus, vegetation along with animal species changes.
• Rainfall and temperature vary in different parts of the country, thus the
vegetational variety is noticed in different regions of India. With the changes in
floral dynamic, fauna diversity alters too.
• The availability of sunlight during different seasons varies in India with the
change of latitude. Thus, we observe a difference in vegetation and animals
throughout the country.
 MAP SKILLS
On an outline map of India, label the following.
(i) Areas of Evergreen Forests
(ii) Areas of Dry Deciduous Forests
(iii) Two national parks each in Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western
parts of the Country
  Chapter – 6
 Population
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) Migrations change the number, distribution and composition of the population
in
(a) the area of departure
(b) the area of arrival
(c) both the area of departure and arrival
(d) None of the above
Answer: Both the area of arrival and departure.
(ii) A large proportion of children in a population is a result of
(a) high birth rates
(b) high life expectancies
(c) high death rates
(d) more married couples
Answer: High birth rates.
(iii) The magnitude of population growth refers to
(a) the total population of 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
Answer: The number of persons added each year
(iv) According to the Census, a “literate” person is one who
(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)
Answer: Is 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding.
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Why is the rate of population growth in India declining since 1981?
Answer: The decline is due to greater awareness and usage of birth control
measures.
(ii) Discuss the major components of population growth.
Answer: 1. Birth rate 2. Death rate 3. Migration
(iii) Define age structure, death rate and birth rate.
Answer: Age structure - Refers to the number of people in different age groups in
that population.
Death Rate - The number of deaths per thousand persons in a year.
Birth Rate -The number of live births per thousand persons in a year.
(iv) How is migration a determinant factor of population change?
Answer: Because it changes the demographics of a country.
3. Distinguish between population growth and population change.
Answer: Population growth:
a. Increase in the number of inhabitants of a region during a specific time period.
b. Birth rate and migration are the major causes of population growth.
Population change:
a. During a specific time period, it is the change in the distribution, composition
or size of the population.
b. Birth rate, migration, emigration are the major causes of population change.
4. What is the relation between occupational structure and development?
Answer: The higher percentage of the population involved in a primary
occupation like agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry and fishing implies - Less
developed country.
We see more development in countries where people move into secondary
occupations like manufacturing.
A high percentage of the population involved in a tertiary occupation like
Banking, commerce, transport, and administration - implies a highly developed
country.
5. What are the advantages of having a healthy population?
Answer:
a. It will make the nation strong in all spheres
b. It will help in creating a developed and prosperous nation
c. It will help in economic growth.
d. The nation can compete globally with all other nations in any sphere of
requirement
6. What are the significant features of the National Population Policy 2000?
Answer: Recognising that the planning of families would improve individual
health and welfare, the Government of India initiated a comprehensive Family
Planning Programme in 1952. The Family Welfare Programme has sought to
promote responsible and planned parenthood on a voluntary basis. The National
Population Policy (NDP) 2000 is a culmination of years of planned efforts. The
NPP 2000 provides a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school
education up to 14 years of age, reducing the infant mortality rate to below 30
per 1000 live births, achieving universal immunisation of children against all
vaccine-preventable diseases, promoting delayed marriage for girls, and making
family welfare a people-centred programme.