Chapter 5: Human Resources

Geography • Class 8

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate9 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter 'Human Resources' discusses the concept of people as a key resource, emphasizing their role in harnessing nature's bounty and developing resources based on demands and abilities. It highlights the uneven distribution of human resources globally, affected by factors like education, age, and population density. The chapter also explores population distribution and composition, the factors affecting changes in population, and critically analyzes the population pyramids for insight into demographic structures.

Key Topics

  • Human resources as the ultimate resource
  • Unequal distribution of population
  • Population density and distribution
  • Natural and social factors influencing population change
  • Population pyramids and demographic analysis
  • Impact of migration on population dynamics
  • Role of healthcare and education in population growth
  • Economic opportunities and population concentration

Learning Objectives

  • Understand human resources as a significant factor in resource development
  • Analyze the patterns and factors affecting global population distribution
  • Interpret population pyramids to understand demographic structures
  • Evaluate the role of natural, economic, and social factors in population change
  • Explore the impact of migration on population growth and urbanization
  • Assess the importance of healthcare and education in shaping population dynamics

Questions in Chapter

Why are people considered a resource?

Answer: People are considered a resource because it is human beings with their demands and abilities that turn natural substances into valuable resources.

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What are the causes for the uneven distribution of population in the world?

Answer: The uneven distribution of population in the world is caused by factors like excessive population density in certain areas, geographical limitations, availability of resources, and economic opportunities.

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The world population has grown very rapidly. Why?

Answer: The rapid growth of world population is largely due to improvements in healthcare and food supplies, which have reduced death rates while birth rates remain high.

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Discuss the role of any two factors influencing population change.

Answer: Birth and death rates are crucial factors influencing population change. A high birth rate with a reduced death rate leads to population growth, while balanced birth and death rates stabilize it.

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What is meant by population composition?

Answer: Population composition refers to the structure of the population based on age, sex, literacy, education, and economic status.

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What are population pyramids? How do they help in understanding about the population of a country?

Answer: Population pyramids graphically represent the age and sex composition of a population. They help in understanding demographic traits like birth rates, death rates, and life expectancy.

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Which does the term population distribution refer to?

Answer: The term population distribution refers to the way in which people are spread across a given area.

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Which are three main factors that cause population change?

Answer: The three main factors that cause population change are births, deaths, and migration.

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In 1999, the world population reached?

Answer: The world population reached 6 billion in 1999.

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What is a population pyramid?

Answer: A population pyramid is a graphical representation of the age and sex composition of a population.

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Complete the sentences: When people are attracted to an area it becomes _______ populated.

Answer: densely

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Additional Practice Questions

Explain how economic factors can influence population distribution.

medium

Answer: Economic factors such as job availability, industry presence, and economic activities tend to attract more people to particular areas. Cities known for thriving industries or businesses, like Mumbai in India, often see higher population densities due to better employment opportunities.

How do cultural and social factors affect human populations?

medium

Answer: Cultural and social factors influence populations as people are attracted to areas with rich cultural heritage, religious significance, or better social amenities and institutions. Examples include cities with renowned cultural sites or advanced educational and healthcare facilities.

Discuss the significance of healthcare improvements on population growth.

hard

Answer: Improvements in healthcare reduce mortality rates, especially infant mortality, and increase life expectancy. This results in sustained population growth as more individuals live longer and healthy reproductive years increase.

Identify and explain the impact of topographical features on population density.

medium

Answer: Topographical features such as plains, mountains, and river valleys significantly impact population density. Plains tend to have higher populations due to conducive conditions for agriculture and settlement, while mountains and deserts usually have lower densities due to harsh living conditions.

How does migration contribute to population change in urban areas?

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Answer: Migration significantly alters urban population dynamics as individuals move from rural to urban areas in search of better employment, educational, and healthcare opportunities, leading to urbanization and increased city populations.

Evaluate the role of educational attainment in human resources development.

easy

Answer: Educational attainment plays a crucial role in human resources development as it enhances individuals' skills and capabilities, making them more productive and contributing to economic growth and resource development.

Analyze the demographic implications of a high young dependent population.

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Answer: A high young dependent population indicates potential future workforce growth but also poses short-term challenges such as the need for increased education infrastructure, healthcare, and employment opportunities as these youth transition into working age.

What challenges do countries face with declining birth rates?

hard

Answer: Countries with declining birth rates may face challenges like an aging population, increased pension and healthcare costs, and potential labor shortages, potentially slowing economic growth and increasing dependency ratios.