Fundamentals of Human Geography

NCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth Important Questions

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 – The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth Important Questions

The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth is one of the most important chapters in NCERT Class 12 Geography. It explains the spatial distribution of population across the world, population density, factors affecting population distribution, migration, demographic transition theory and population control measures. Understanding these concepts helps students analyze population patterns and demographic changes across regions.

These important questions include MCQs, one-word questions, assertion and reason questions and descriptive exam-oriented questions useful for CBSE Board Exams, CUET, UPSC, SSC, PSC and other competitive examinations. The chapter covers key concepts such as population growth, birth rate, death rate, migration, push and pull factors and demographic transition theory.

Source: NCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 – The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

These MCQs from The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth are designed for objective revision and competitive examination preparation. They cover population distribution, density, migration, demographic transition and population growth concepts discussed in the NCERT chapter.

1. Population distribution refers to:

A. Number of births

B. Number of deaths

C. The way people are spaced over the earth’s surface

D. Population growth rate

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 7

2. Approximately what percentage of the world’s population lives on about 10% of the land area?

A. 50%

B. 60%

C. 75%

D. 90%

Correct Answer: D | Page Reference: 7

3. The ten most populous countries contribute nearly what percentage of world population?

A. 30%

B. 40%

C. 60%

D. 80%

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 7

4. Population density is:

A. Population growth rate

B. Number of births per thousand population

C. Ratio between population and land area

D. Migration rate

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 8

5. Population density is generally measured in:

A. Persons per hectare

B. Persons per square kilometre

C. Families per village

D. Households per district

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 8

6. Which is the most important geographical factor affecting population distribution?

A. Minerals

B. Water availability

C. Trade

D. Transport

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 8

7. River valleys are generally:

A. Sparsely populated

B. Moderately populated

C. Densely populated

D. Uninhabited

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 8

8. People generally prefer to live on:

A. Mountain peaks

B. Steep slopes

C. Flat plains and gentle slopes

D. Desert interiors

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 8

9. Which region is cited as densely populated?

A. Himalayas

B. Sahara Desert

C. Ganga Plains

D. Antarctica

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 8

10. Mediterranean regions attracted population due to:

A. Mineral wealth

B. Pleasant climate

C. Heavy industries

D. Dense forests

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 8

11. Fertile loamy soils generally support:

A. Sparse population

B. Dense population

C. Seasonal population

D. Nomadic population

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 8

12. Katanga Zambia Copper Belt is an example of:

A. Agricultural attraction

B. Religious centre

C. Mineral-based population concentration

D. Tourist region

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 8

13. Rural-to-urban migration mainly occurs due to:

A. Forests

B. Better opportunities in cities

C. Cold climate

D. Political instability

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 8

14. Kobe-Osaka region of Japan is densely populated because of:

A. Agriculture

B. Fisheries

C. Industries

D. Forests

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 9

15. Population growth refers to:

A. Change in population over a period of time

B. Birth rate only

C. Death rate only

D. Migration only

Correct Answer: A | Page Reference: 9

16. Natural growth of population equals:

A. Births + Deaths

B. Births − Deaths

C. Births + Migration

D. Migration − Deaths

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 9

17. Actual growth of population includes:

A. Births and deaths only

B. Migration only

C. Births, deaths and migration

D. Deaths only

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 9

18. Positive population growth occurs when:

A. Death rate exceeds birth rate

B. Birth rate exceeds death rate

C. Migration stops

D. Population remains constant

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 9

19. CBR stands for:

A. Crude Birth Rate

B. Common Birth Ratio

C. Current Birth Rate

D. Calculated Birth Ratio

Correct Answer: A | Page Reference: 9

20. CDR stands for:

A. Crude Demographic Ratio

B. Crude Death Rate

C. Common Death Rate

D. Census Death Rate

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 9

21. People moving into a place are called:

A. Emigrants

B. Refugees

C. Immigrants

D. Nomads

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 10

22. People moving out of a place are called:

A. Immigrants

B. Emigrants

C. Settlers

D. Migrants

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 10

23. Unemployment is a:

A. Pull factor

B. Push factor

C. Demographic factor

D. Cultural factor

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 10

24. Better job opportunities are:

A. Push factors

B. Pull factors

C. Natural factors

D. Climatic factors

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 10

25. Demographic transition theory explains:

A. Industrial growth

B. Population change over time

C. Trade patterns

D. Climate change

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 10

26. In the first stage of demographic transition:

A. Birth and death rates are low

B. Birth and death rates are high

C. Birth rate is low

D. Death rate is zero

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 10

27. In the second stage:

A. Mortality declines

B. Fertility becomes zero

C. Population decreases

D. Migration stops

Correct Answer: A | Page Reference: 11

28. The last stage of demographic transition is characterized by:

A. High fertility

B. High mortality

A. High fertility

B. High mortality

C. Low fertility and low mortality

D. Population explosion

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 11

29. Who proposed the theory that population grows faster than food supply?

A. Karl Marx

B. Griffith Taylor

C. Thomas Malthus

D. Ratzel

Correct Answer: C | Page Reference: 11

30. Family planning is mainly aimed at:

A. Increasing migration

B. Controlling population growth

C. Increasing mortality

D. Expanding industries

Correct Answer: B | Page Reference: 11

Looking for other chapters ?

International Trade
Transport and Communication
Tertiary and Quaternary Activities
Secondary Activities
Primary Activities
Human Development
Human Geography: Nature and Scope

One-Word / Very Short Answer Questions

  1. What does population distribution refer to?
    Answer: Spacing of people over the earth’s surface. (Page Reference: 7)
  2. What is the ratio of population to land area called?
    Answer: Population Density (Page Reference: 8)
  3. Which factor is most important for human survival and settlement?
    Answer: Water (Page Reference: 8)
  4. Which plains are mentioned as densely populated?
    Answer: Ganga Plains (Page Reference: 8)
  5. Which climate attracts more people?
    Answer: Pleasant Climate (Page Reference: 8)
  6. Name the mineral belt mentioned in Africa.
    Answer: Katanga Zambia Copper Belt (Page Reference: 8)
  7. Which Japanese industrial region is densely populated?
    Answer: Kobe-Osaka Region (Page Reference: 9)
  8. What is population change between two points of time called?
    Answer: Population Growth (Page Reference: 9)
  9. What is growth expressed in percentage called?
    Answer: Growth Rate of Population (Page Reference: 9)
  10. What is births minus deaths called?
    Answer: Natural Growth (Page Reference: 9)
  11. What is births minus deaths plus migration called?
    Answer: Actual Growth (Page Reference: 9)
  12. Expand CBR.
    Answer: Crude Birth Rate (Page Reference: 9)
  13. Expand CDR.
    Answer: Crude Death Rate (Page Reference: 9)
  14. What is a person entering a new place called?
    Answer: Immigrant (Page Reference: 10)
  15. What is a person leaving a place called?
    Answer: Emigrant (Page Reference: 10)
  16. What factor makes a place less attractive?
    Answer: Push Factor (Page Reference: 10)
  17. What factor attracts migrants to a destination?
    Answer: Pull Factor (Page Reference: 10)
  18. What theory explains population changes through stages?
    Answer: Demographic Transition Theory (Page Reference: 10)
  19. Who proposed the population theory of 1798?
    Answer: Thomas Malthus (Page Reference: 11)
  20. What is spacing or preventing births called?
    Answer: Family Planning (Page Reference: 11)

Assertion and Reason Questions

Question 1

Assertion (A): Population distribution across the world is uneven.

Reason (R): About 90% of the world’s population lives on only 10% of the land area.

Options:

A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation

B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation

C. A is true but R is false

D. A is false but R is true

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 7

Question 2

Assertion (A): River valleys are densely populated.

Reason (R): Fresh water is easily available in river valleys.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 8

Question 3

Assertion (A): Mountainous areas generally have low population density.

Reason (R): Transport and development are difficult in such areas.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 8

Question 4

Assertion (A): Fertile soils attract population concentration.

Reason (R): Fertile soils support intensive agriculture.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 8

Question 5

Assertion (A): Cities attract migrants.

Reason (R): Cities provide better employment and civic amenities.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 8

Question 6

Assertion (A): Industrial regions are generally densely populated.

Reason (R): Industries generate employment opportunities.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 8-9

Question 7

Assertion (A): Positive growth occurs when birth rate exceeds death rate.

Reason (R): Natural increase becomes positive.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 9

Question 8

Assertion (A): Population growth depends only on births and deaths.

Reason (R): Migration also affects population size.

Correct Option: D | Page Reference: 9-10

Question 9

Assertion (A): Immigration increases population of destination.

Reason (R): Immigrants move into a new place.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 10

Question 10

Assertion (A): Unemployment is a push factor.

Reason (R): It makes the place of origin less attractive.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 10

Question 11

Assertion (A): Better job opportunities act as pull factors.

Reason (R): They attract migrants to destination areas.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 10

Question 12

Assertion (A): Demographic transition occurs in stages.

Reason (R): Birth and death rates change as society develops.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 10-11

Question 13

Assertion (A): Population growth is highest in the first stage of demographic transition.

Reason (R): Both birth and death rates are high.

Correct Option: C | Page Reference: 10

Question 14

Assertion (A): Mortality declines in the second stage of demographic transition.

Reason (R): Health and sanitation improve.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 11

Question 15

Assertion (A): Malthus believed population could outgrow food supply.

Reason (R): Population growth was expected to be faster than food production.

Correct Option: A | Page Reference: 11

Important Exam-Based Concept Questions

  • Define population distribution and explain its significance. [Page Reference: 7]
  • Explain the concept of population density. [Page Reference: 8]
  • Discuss the geographical factors affecting population distribution. [Page Reference: 8]
  • Explain how water availability influences population concentration. [Page Reference: 8]
  • Discuss the role of landforms in population distribution. [Page Reference: 8]
  • Explain the impact of climate on population distribution. [Page Reference: 8]
  • How do fertile soils affect population density? [Page Reference: 8]
  • Discuss the economic factors influencing population distribution. [Page Reference: 8-9]
  • Explain the role of minerals in attracting population. [Page Reference: 8]
  • Discuss how urbanization affects population distribution. [Page Reference: 8]
  • Explain the relationship between industrialization and population concentration. [Page Reference: 8-9]
  • Discuss the influence of social and cultural factors on population distribution. [Page Reference: 9]
  • Define population growth and growth rate. [Page Reference: 9]
  • Differentiate between natural growth and actual growth. [Page Reference: 9]
  • Explain the components of population change. [Page Reference: 9-10]
  • Define crude birth rate and crude death rate. [Page Reference: 9]
  • Explain migration and its types. [Page Reference: 10]
  • Differentiate between immigration and emigration. [Page Reference: 10]
  • Explain push and pull factors of migration with examples. [Page Reference: 10]
  • Discuss the demographic transition theory. [Page Reference: 10-11]
  • Explain the characteristics of the first stage of demographic transition. [Page Reference: 10]
  • Describe the second stage of demographic transition. [Page Reference: 11]
  • Explain the third stage of demographic transition. [Page Reference: 11]
  • Discuss population control measures. [Page Reference: 11]
  • Explain Thomas Malthus’ theory of population. [Page Reference: 11]

Data-Based and Factual Questions

  1. What percentage of world population lives on about 10% of land area?
    Answer: 90% (Page Reference: 7)
  2. The ten most populous countries account for approximately what percentage of world population?
    Answer: 60% (Page Reference: 7)
  3. How many of the ten most populous countries are located in Asia?
    Answer: Six (Page Reference: 7)
  4. If a region has 1,50,000 people and an area of 100 sq km, what is its density?
    Answer: 1,500 persons per sq km (Page Reference: 8)
  5. What are the three components of population change?
    Answer: Births, Deaths and Migration (Page Reference: 9)
  6. Population of India in 2001 mentioned in the chapter?
    Answer: 102.70 crore (Page Reference: 9)
  7. Population of India in 2011 mentioned in the chapter?
    Answer: 121.02 crore (Page Reference: 9)
  8. Growth of India’s population between 2001 and 2011?
    Answer: 18.15 crore (Page Reference: 9)
  9. Human population increased by more than how many times in the last 500 years?
    Answer: More than 10 times (Page Reference: 10)
  10. Human population increased how many times during the twentieth century?
    Answer: Four times (Page Reference: 10)

Direct NCERT Book-Back Questions

  • Name three geographical factors that influence the distribution of population. [Page Reference: 11]
  • Why are there many areas with high population density in the world? [Page Reference: 12]
  • What are the three components of population change? [Page Reference: 12]
  • Distinguish between birth rate and death rate. [Page Reference: 12]
  • Distinguish between push factors and pull factors of migration. [Page Reference: 12]
  • Discuss the factors influencing the distribution and density of population in the world. [Page Reference: 12]
  • Discuss the three stages of demographic transition. [Page Reference: 12]

Very Important Board Exam Questions

  • Discuss the factors influencing the distribution of population in the world.
  • Explain the geographical and economic factors affecting population density.
  • Define population growth and explain its various forms.
  • Explain the concepts of birth rate, death rate and migration.
  • Discuss the causes and consequences of migration.
  • Differentiate between immigration and emigration.
  • Explain push and pull factors of migration with suitable examples.
  • Describe the demographic transition theory with a diagram.
  • Explain the characteristics of all three stages of demographic transition.
  • Discuss population control measures suggested for sustainable development.
  • Examine the relevance of Malthus’ theory of population in the modern world.
  • Analyze the causes of uneven distribution of population across the globe.
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