Population
Question 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 : (b) both the area of departure and arrival
(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 : (a) high birth rates
(iii) The magnitude of population growth refers to
(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
Answer : (a) the total population of an area
(iv) According to the Census 2001, 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 : (c) is 7 year old and can read and write any language with understanding
Question 2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Why is the rate of population growth in India declining since 1981?
Answer : Since 1981, the birth rate has declined sharply. India has improved women's education, improved their
quality of life, and raised the mean age of marriage. Due to this, the birth rate was declined since 1981.
The rate of growth started declining gradually, because of:
a) Family planning measures were adopted, leading to decline in the birth rate.
(b) Awareness about advantages of small family came to be recognized.
(c) There was a growth of nuclear families occured which adopted the small family norm.
(d) Promotion of family planning programme by the government.
(ii) Discuss the major components of population growth.
Answer: The major components of population growth are Birth Rate, Death Rate and Migration. The difference
between birth rate and death rate accounts for natural increase in population.
(iii) Define age structure, death rate and birth rate.
Answer: The age structure of a population refers to the number of people in different age groups in a country.
Birth rate is the number of live births per thousand persons in a year.
Death rate is the number of deaths per thousand persons in a year.
(iv) How is migration a determinant factor of population change?
Answer: Migration is the movement of people across regions and territories. It is a determinant factor of population
change as it changes the composition and distribution of the areas of departure and arrival.
Question 3. Distinguish between population growth and population change.
Answer:
Population Growth Population Change
It refers to the increase in the number of
It refers to the change in the distribution, composition or size of a population
inhabitants of a region during a specific period
during a specific period of time.
of time.
Natural increase of population and immigration
Natural increase, immigration and emigration are the major components causing
are the major components causing population
population change.
growth.
Question 4. What is the relation between occupational structure and development?
Answer : The proportion of people working in different activities varies in developed and developing countries.
Developed nations have a high proportion of people in secondary and tertiary activities. Developing countries tend
to have a higher proportion of their workforce engaged in primary activities.
Question 5. What are the advantages of having a healthy population?
Answer : The advantages of having a healthy population are:
A healthy individual is much more efficient and productive than an unhealthy individual.
He or she is able to realise his or her potential, and play an important role in social and national development.
Absenteeism is low where the workers are healthy.
6. What are the significant features of the National Population Policy 2000?
Answer : The National Population Policy 2000 provides a policy framework for:
Imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age
Reducing infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births
Achieving universal immunisation of children against all vaccine-preventable diseases
Promoting delayed marriage and child bearing
Making family welfare a people-centred programme
Providing nutritional services and food supplements to adolescents
Protecting adolescents from unwanted pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases, and educating them about the
risks of unprotected sex
Making contraceptive services accessible and affordable