Textbook Solutions: Human Settlements

 Page 1


7. Human Settlements
Exercise
1 A. Question
Choose the correct option:
The concentration of settlements is related to the following major factors:
A. Proximity to the sea
B. Plain region
C. Availability of water
D. Climate
Answer
Human settlements refer to the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitation on the
banks of the rivers. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of
human settlement.
1 B. Question
Choose the correct option:
In north-eastern parts of Brazil, which type of settlements are found?
A. Nucleated
B. Linear
C. Dispersed
D. Star-shaped
Answer
The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed settlements in which the
habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of
severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water. Thus, agriculture practices
will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
1 C. Question
Choose the correct option:
Where do you find dispersed settlements in India?
A. Near the rivers
B. Near the transport routes
C. Hilly areas
D. Industrial areas
Answer
Scattered/dispersed settlements are those in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away
from each other. They are mostly found in the plateaus, hilly or forested areas. In India, such type of
settlements are found in the tribal parts of Central India, eastern and southern Rajasthan and the Himalayan
slopes.
1 D. Question
Page 2


7. Human Settlements
Exercise
1 A. Question
Choose the correct option:
The concentration of settlements is related to the following major factors:
A. Proximity to the sea
B. Plain region
C. Availability of water
D. Climate
Answer
Human settlements refer to the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitation on the
banks of the rivers. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of
human settlement.
1 B. Question
Choose the correct option:
In north-eastern parts of Brazil, which type of settlements are found?
A. Nucleated
B. Linear
C. Dispersed
D. Star-shaped
Answer
The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed settlements in which the
habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of
severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water. Thus, agriculture practices
will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
1 C. Question
Choose the correct option:
Where do you find dispersed settlements in India?
A. Near the rivers
B. Near the transport routes
C. Hilly areas
D. Industrial areas
Answer
Scattered/dispersed settlements are those in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away
from each other. They are mostly found in the plateaus, hilly or forested areas. In India, such type of
settlements are found in the tribal parts of Central India, eastern and southern Rajasthan and the Himalayan
slopes.
1 D. Question
Choose the correct option:
Concentrated settlements are found in the Narmada Valley
A. Forested land
B. Cultivable land
C. Undulating topography
D. Industries
Answer
Concentrated/clustered/nucleated settlements are those in which the habitation regions are closed together
and clustered. It is found mostly in the cultivable areas of the Narmada Valley, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the
Vindhyan plateau.
1 E. Question
Choose the correct option:
Which state has the least urbanisation in Brazil?
A. Para
B. Amapa
C. Espirito Santo
D. Parana
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Brazil is one of the highly urbanised developing countries. But it is restricted to the south and south
eastern parts. Para is mostly to the central part of Brazil covered by dense forests having hotter climate and
poor transportation facilities. Thus, urbanisation will be limited.
2 A. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Availability of water is a major factor affecting settlements.
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitations in the
banks of the rivers. Indraprastha, Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Varanasi are some examples of such
settlements. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of human
settlement.
2 B. Question
Give geographical reasons:
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas.
Answer
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas. Even though the coastal climate
is hot and humid, the region has adequate availability of water and natural resources. The transportation
facilities are also much better in eastern Brazil. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are
scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is
because of the occurrence of severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
2 C. Question
Page 3


7. Human Settlements
Exercise
1 A. Question
Choose the correct option:
The concentration of settlements is related to the following major factors:
A. Proximity to the sea
B. Plain region
C. Availability of water
D. Climate
Answer
Human settlements refer to the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitation on the
banks of the rivers. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of
human settlement.
1 B. Question
Choose the correct option:
In north-eastern parts of Brazil, which type of settlements are found?
A. Nucleated
B. Linear
C. Dispersed
D. Star-shaped
Answer
The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed settlements in which the
habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of
severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water. Thus, agriculture practices
will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
1 C. Question
Choose the correct option:
Where do you find dispersed settlements in India?
A. Near the rivers
B. Near the transport routes
C. Hilly areas
D. Industrial areas
Answer
Scattered/dispersed settlements are those in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away
from each other. They are mostly found in the plateaus, hilly or forested areas. In India, such type of
settlements are found in the tribal parts of Central India, eastern and southern Rajasthan and the Himalayan
slopes.
1 D. Question
Choose the correct option:
Concentrated settlements are found in the Narmada Valley
A. Forested land
B. Cultivable land
C. Undulating topography
D. Industries
Answer
Concentrated/clustered/nucleated settlements are those in which the habitation regions are closed together
and clustered. It is found mostly in the cultivable areas of the Narmada Valley, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the
Vindhyan plateau.
1 E. Question
Choose the correct option:
Which state has the least urbanisation in Brazil?
A. Para
B. Amapa
C. Espirito Santo
D. Parana
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Brazil is one of the highly urbanised developing countries. But it is restricted to the south and south
eastern parts. Para is mostly to the central part of Brazil covered by dense forests having hotter climate and
poor transportation facilities. Thus, urbanisation will be limited.
2 A. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Availability of water is a major factor affecting settlements.
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitations in the
banks of the rivers. Indraprastha, Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Varanasi are some examples of such
settlements. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of human
settlement.
2 B. Question
Give geographical reasons:
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas.
Answer
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas. Even though the coastal climate
is hot and humid, the region has adequate availability of water and natural resources. The transportation
facilities are also much better in eastern Brazil. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are
scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is
because of the occurrence of severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
2 C. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Urbanisation is increasing rapidly in India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Rapid urbanisation is taking place in India because of the rapid increase in its population. Because of
the increase in its population, people require more land and other resources. Thus villages have given way to
the formation of cities and have contributed to the migration of people from rural res to urban areas. Other
factors like employment opportunities, a higher standard of living, better facilities and infrastructure also
force people to migrate from rural areas to urban areas.
2 D. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Settlements are sparse in north-eastern Brazil.
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are
scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is
because of the occurrence of severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
2 E. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Except Delhi and Chandigarh urbanisation is low in other parts of India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Urbanisation is increasing rapidly in India especially in Delhi and Chandigarh. This is mainly because
of the settlement pattern of the states. Availability of plain, agriculturally productive land along with drinking
water, improved human resources, employment opportunities, and other infrastructure is the main reasons
for the higher urbanisation in these states.
3 A. Question
Answer in short:
Write a comparative note on urbanisation in Brazil and India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. It is an important phenomenon of the 21
st
 century. People migrate to other areas because of factors
like employment opportunities, a higher standard of living, better facilities and infrastructure.
BRAZIL:
1. Brazil is one of the few developing countries that is experiencing a huge increase in urbanisation.
Urbanisation is an important factor that is contributing to its economic growth.
2. Nearly 86% of the country’s population is living in cities. Cities like Sau Paulo is emerging as one of the
major hubs of the country. But it is concentrated in the southern and the south-eastern parts of the country.
This is because of the better facilities found in these parts.
3. Even though the southern coastal climate is hot and humid, the region has adequate availability of water
and natural resources.
4. The transportation facilities are also much better.
5. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions
are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of severe droughts and
famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Page 4


7. Human Settlements
Exercise
1 A. Question
Choose the correct option:
The concentration of settlements is related to the following major factors:
A. Proximity to the sea
B. Plain region
C. Availability of water
D. Climate
Answer
Human settlements refer to the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitation on the
banks of the rivers. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of
human settlement.
1 B. Question
Choose the correct option:
In north-eastern parts of Brazil, which type of settlements are found?
A. Nucleated
B. Linear
C. Dispersed
D. Star-shaped
Answer
The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed settlements in which the
habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of
severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water. Thus, agriculture practices
will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
1 C. Question
Choose the correct option:
Where do you find dispersed settlements in India?
A. Near the rivers
B. Near the transport routes
C. Hilly areas
D. Industrial areas
Answer
Scattered/dispersed settlements are those in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away
from each other. They are mostly found in the plateaus, hilly or forested areas. In India, such type of
settlements are found in the tribal parts of Central India, eastern and southern Rajasthan and the Himalayan
slopes.
1 D. Question
Choose the correct option:
Concentrated settlements are found in the Narmada Valley
A. Forested land
B. Cultivable land
C. Undulating topography
D. Industries
Answer
Concentrated/clustered/nucleated settlements are those in which the habitation regions are closed together
and clustered. It is found mostly in the cultivable areas of the Narmada Valley, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the
Vindhyan plateau.
1 E. Question
Choose the correct option:
Which state has the least urbanisation in Brazil?
A. Para
B. Amapa
C. Espirito Santo
D. Parana
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Brazil is one of the highly urbanised developing countries. But it is restricted to the south and south
eastern parts. Para is mostly to the central part of Brazil covered by dense forests having hotter climate and
poor transportation facilities. Thus, urbanisation will be limited.
2 A. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Availability of water is a major factor affecting settlements.
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitations in the
banks of the rivers. Indraprastha, Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Varanasi are some examples of such
settlements. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of human
settlement.
2 B. Question
Give geographical reasons:
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas.
Answer
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas. Even though the coastal climate
is hot and humid, the region has adequate availability of water and natural resources. The transportation
facilities are also much better in eastern Brazil. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are
scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is
because of the occurrence of severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
2 C. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Urbanisation is increasing rapidly in India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Rapid urbanisation is taking place in India because of the rapid increase in its population. Because of
the increase in its population, people require more land and other resources. Thus villages have given way to
the formation of cities and have contributed to the migration of people from rural res to urban areas. Other
factors like employment opportunities, a higher standard of living, better facilities and infrastructure also
force people to migrate from rural areas to urban areas.
2 D. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Settlements are sparse in north-eastern Brazil.
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are
scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is
because of the occurrence of severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
2 E. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Except Delhi and Chandigarh urbanisation is low in other parts of India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Urbanisation is increasing rapidly in India especially in Delhi and Chandigarh. This is mainly because
of the settlement pattern of the states. Availability of plain, agriculturally productive land along with drinking
water, improved human resources, employment opportunities, and other infrastructure is the main reasons
for the higher urbanisation in these states.
3 A. Question
Answer in short:
Write a comparative note on urbanisation in Brazil and India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. It is an important phenomenon of the 21
st
 century. People migrate to other areas because of factors
like employment opportunities, a higher standard of living, better facilities and infrastructure.
BRAZIL:
1. Brazil is one of the few developing countries that is experiencing a huge increase in urbanisation.
Urbanisation is an important factor that is contributing to its economic growth.
2. Nearly 86% of the country’s population is living in cities. Cities like Sau Paulo is emerging as one of the
major hubs of the country. But it is concentrated in the southern and the south-eastern parts of the country.
This is because of the better facilities found in these parts.
3. Even though the southern coastal climate is hot and humid, the region has adequate availability of water
and natural resources.
4. The transportation facilities are also much better.
5. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions
are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of severe droughts and
famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
6. Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements. Also, the population in Amazon
River basin is less.
7. Hence urbanisation is also less in the region. Now the government is encouraging ‘Go West’ policy to
reduce regional imbalance and ensure balanced development.
INDIA:
1. Urbanisation in India is also similar to that experienced in Brazil. About 34% of the population is living in
urban areas.
2. Even though the rate is lesser in India, urbanisation is contributing to the rapid development in both the
countries.
3. As of the present data, Delhi and Chandigarh experience the highest rate of urbanisation. But in India also
the trend is lopsided.
4. Southern India is highly urbanised compared to Northern India. Goa is the most urbanised state with
62.17% of its population living in urban areas. It is followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This is because of the
higher level of development and a higher standard of living associated with the southern states as compared
to the northern ones.
5. Northern states - except Delhi and Chandigarh -experience low levels of urbanisation. It is the lowest in
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan where people migrate to other states for better
opportunities.
Thus, it can be said that in both Brazil and India the effects of urbanisation is lopsided.
3 B. Question
Answer in short:
Differentiate between human settlements in Ganga basin and Amazon River basin.
Answer
Both Ganga and Amazon Rivers are considered to be the lifeline of the respective countries – India and Brazil.
Even though both are gigantic rivers of the countries, the nature of human settlements in their banks differ.
The concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region.
GANGA:
1. Ganga river basin in India is the second largest river basin in the country. Since it is the most fertile land of
the country, this region is one of the most densely populated regions.
2. But the density is less in the mountainous regions as compared to its plains. The whole fertile land is
called the northern plains. It is an important place opted for human settlement because of the fertility of the
land.
3. Farming and dairying are the important occupations of the people. The main crop grown is paddy and
wheat along with maize, millets, and gram.
4. Many highly populated cities like Allahabad, Lucknow, and Varanasi is located in its banks. Because of this,
the transportation network, communication facilities, and the infrastructure is highly developed in the region.
5. But because of the growing population and human interferences, the region is depleting resulting in many
problems.
AMAZON:
1. Amazon River basin is the largest river basin in the world. It has been exploited since the earlier days of
human civilisation, but has still some of the unexplored parts of the world.
2. Since the river system is located near the equatorial region, it is both hot and humid and experiences high
rainfall. This has resulted in the growth of dense forests which is home to innumerable flora and fauna.
3. People live sparsely in the river basin as most of the area is covered by the dense forests. They cut few
trees and practice shifting cultivation.
4. The land is very fertile. The main crop grown is cassava along with tapioca, maize, coffee, and cocoa. They
also practice fishing and hunting.
Page 5


7. Human Settlements
Exercise
1 A. Question
Choose the correct option:
The concentration of settlements is related to the following major factors:
A. Proximity to the sea
B. Plain region
C. Availability of water
D. Climate
Answer
Human settlements refer to the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitation on the
banks of the rivers. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of
human settlement.
1 B. Question
Choose the correct option:
In north-eastern parts of Brazil, which type of settlements are found?
A. Nucleated
B. Linear
C. Dispersed
D. Star-shaped
Answer
The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed settlements in which the
habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of
severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water. Thus, agriculture practices
will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
1 C. Question
Choose the correct option:
Where do you find dispersed settlements in India?
A. Near the rivers
B. Near the transport routes
C. Hilly areas
D. Industrial areas
Answer
Scattered/dispersed settlements are those in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away
from each other. They are mostly found in the plateaus, hilly or forested areas. In India, such type of
settlements are found in the tribal parts of Central India, eastern and southern Rajasthan and the Himalayan
slopes.
1 D. Question
Choose the correct option:
Concentrated settlements are found in the Narmada Valley
A. Forested land
B. Cultivable land
C. Undulating topography
D. Industries
Answer
Concentrated/clustered/nucleated settlements are those in which the habitation regions are closed together
and clustered. It is found mostly in the cultivable areas of the Narmada Valley, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the
Vindhyan plateau.
1 E. Question
Choose the correct option:
Which state has the least urbanisation in Brazil?
A. Para
B. Amapa
C. Espirito Santo
D. Parana
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Brazil is one of the highly urbanised developing countries. But it is restricted to the south and south
eastern parts. Para is mostly to the central part of Brazil covered by dense forests having hotter climate and
poor transportation facilities. Thus, urbanisation will be limited.
2 A. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Availability of water is a major factor affecting settlements.
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. Even though the nature of the region and the climatic
conditions also influence the concentration of settlement, the availability of clean water is the most
important determinant. Because of this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitations in the
banks of the rivers. Indraprastha, Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Varanasi are some examples of such
settlements. Thus the availability of water is the most important determinant of the concentration of human
settlement.
2 B. Question
Give geographical reasons:
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas.
Answer
In Brazil, the majority of the population is found in the eastern coastal areas. Even though the coastal climate
is hot and humid, the region has adequate availability of water and natural resources. The transportation
facilities are also much better in eastern Brazil. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are
scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is
because of the occurrence of severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
2 C. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Urbanisation is increasing rapidly in India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Rapid urbanisation is taking place in India because of the rapid increase in its population. Because of
the increase in its population, people require more land and other resources. Thus villages have given way to
the formation of cities and have contributed to the migration of people from rural res to urban areas. Other
factors like employment opportunities, a higher standard of living, better facilities and infrastructure also
force people to migrate from rural areas to urban areas.
2 D. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Settlements are sparse in north-eastern Brazil.
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. The
concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are
scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions are isolated or located far away from each other. This is
because of the occurrence of severe droughts and famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements.
2 E. Question
Give geographical reasons:
Except Delhi and Chandigarh urbanisation is low in other parts of India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. Urbanisation is increasing rapidly in India especially in Delhi and Chandigarh. This is mainly because
of the settlement pattern of the states. Availability of plain, agriculturally productive land along with drinking
water, improved human resources, employment opportunities, and other infrastructure is the main reasons
for the higher urbanisation in these states.
3 A. Question
Answer in short:
Write a comparative note on urbanisation in Brazil and India.
Answer
Urbanisation refers to the movement of people and human settlements from the rural areas to the urban
areas. It is an important phenomenon of the 21
st
 century. People migrate to other areas because of factors
like employment opportunities, a higher standard of living, better facilities and infrastructure.
BRAZIL:
1. Brazil is one of the few developing countries that is experiencing a huge increase in urbanisation.
Urbanisation is an important factor that is contributing to its economic growth.
2. Nearly 86% of the country’s population is living in cities. Cities like Sau Paulo is emerging as one of the
major hubs of the country. But it is concentrated in the southern and the south-eastern parts of the country.
This is because of the better facilities found in these parts.
3. Even though the southern coastal climate is hot and humid, the region has adequate availability of water
and natural resources.
4. The transportation facilities are also much better.
5. The settlements in the north-eastern parts of Brazil are scattered/dispersed in which the habitation regions
are isolated or located far away from each other. This is because of the occurrence of severe droughts and
famines in the highlands because of the scarcity of water.
6. Thus, agriculture practices will be lesser resulting in sparse settlements. Also, the population in Amazon
River basin is less.
7. Hence urbanisation is also less in the region. Now the government is encouraging ‘Go West’ policy to
reduce regional imbalance and ensure balanced development.
INDIA:
1. Urbanisation in India is also similar to that experienced in Brazil. About 34% of the population is living in
urban areas.
2. Even though the rate is lesser in India, urbanisation is contributing to the rapid development in both the
countries.
3. As of the present data, Delhi and Chandigarh experience the highest rate of urbanisation. But in India also
the trend is lopsided.
4. Southern India is highly urbanised compared to Northern India. Goa is the most urbanised state with
62.17% of its population living in urban areas. It is followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This is because of the
higher level of development and a higher standard of living associated with the southern states as compared
to the northern ones.
5. Northern states - except Delhi and Chandigarh -experience low levels of urbanisation. It is the lowest in
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan where people migrate to other states for better
opportunities.
Thus, it can be said that in both Brazil and India the effects of urbanisation is lopsided.
3 B. Question
Answer in short:
Differentiate between human settlements in Ganga basin and Amazon River basin.
Answer
Both Ganga and Amazon Rivers are considered to be the lifeline of the respective countries – India and Brazil.
Even though both are gigantic rivers of the countries, the nature of human settlements in their banks differ.
The concentration of settlement depends upon many important factors like the availability of water, natural
resources, climatic conditions and the type of region.
GANGA:
1. Ganga river basin in India is the second largest river basin in the country. Since it is the most fertile land of
the country, this region is one of the most densely populated regions.
2. But the density is less in the mountainous regions as compared to its plains. The whole fertile land is
called the northern plains. It is an important place opted for human settlement because of the fertility of the
land.
3. Farming and dairying are the important occupations of the people. The main crop grown is paddy and
wheat along with maize, millets, and gram.
4. Many highly populated cities like Allahabad, Lucknow, and Varanasi is located in its banks. Because of this,
the transportation network, communication facilities, and the infrastructure is highly developed in the region.
5. But because of the growing population and human interferences, the region is depleting resulting in many
problems.
AMAZON:
1. Amazon River basin is the largest river basin in the world. It has been exploited since the earlier days of
human civilisation, but has still some of the unexplored parts of the world.
2. Since the river system is located near the equatorial region, it is both hot and humid and experiences high
rainfall. This has resulted in the growth of dense forests which is home to innumerable flora and fauna.
3. People live sparsely in the river basin as most of the area is covered by the dense forests. They cut few
trees and practice shifting cultivation.
4. The land is very fertile. The main crop grown is cassava along with tapioca, maize, coffee, and cocoa. They
also practice fishing and hunting.
5. Because of the human interference, the forest cover is depleting and leading to many ecological problems.
3 C. Question
Answer in short:
Why do human settlements grow in specific locations only?
Answer
Human settlements are the organised and structured human habitation in different regions. It determines
how the population is distributed in different regions. Human settlements grow only in specific regions. Some
important determinants of the location-specific growth of settlements are:
* Availability of water resources: An important factor in determining the growth of human settlements is
the availability of fresh water. The existence of lakes and rivers is an important feature influencing the
growth of settlements. Only these regions will permit cultivation and allied activities like dairying. Because of
this reason, we can find most of the ancient human habitations in the banks of the rivers. Indraprastha,
Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro and Varanasi are some examples of such settlements.
* The topography of land: The landscape is an important aspect influencing the growth of human
settlements. Flat, plain and fertile lands will be more densely populated as compared to hilly and rugged
areas. The transportation and other facilities will be more developed in the plains leading to a higher
concentration of population.
* Climate: Climate of the area also determines the density of human settlement. Population and settlements
will be much lesser in deserts and arid lands with less rainfall. Population will be higher in the coastal areas
and the plains even if the climate is hot and humid because of adequate rainfall.
* Natural resources: Regions rich in fertile soil and other natural resources will be densely populated than
others. The rich natural resources will provide more opportunities for the people thus improving their quality
of life.
* Infrastructure development: The population will be concentrated in areas with high infrastructure
development and facilities. This will improve the transportation and communication network resulting in the
migration of more people.
Intext Questions
1. Question
Some amenities and facilities are given here. Tick (ü) in the relevant column and complete the table on the
basis of their presence in urban and rural areas or both. And write five sentences on each with examples
from your vicinity.
Answer