Unit Test (Solutions): Population | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M. 30
Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

1 Mark Questions (Q1 to Q5)

Q1. What is the official enumeration of population done periodically in India called? (1 Mark) 
(a) Survey
(b) Census
(c) Report
(d) Demographic Analysis

Ans: (b)
Census is the official enumeration of the population, conducted every 10 years in India.

Q2. Which state had the highest population in India as per the 2011 Census? (1 Mark) 
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Bihar
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) West Bengal

Ans: (c)
Uttar Pradesh had 199 million people, about 16% of India’s total population.

Q3. In which year did the government of India launch the Family Planning Programme? (1 Mark) 
(a) 1947
(b) 1950
(c) 1952
(d) 1961

Ans: (c)
India launched the Family Planning Programme in 1952 to promote responsible and planned parenthood.

Q4. Which factor primarily influences high population density in the Northern Plains? (1 Mark) 
(a) Rugged terrain
(b) Fertile soils and abundant rainfall
(c) Low rainfall
(d) Hilly landscape

Ans: (b)
Fertile soils and abundant rainfall  support agriculture and dense settlements.

Q5. Which term describes the ratio of dependent people to economically active people? (1 Mark) 
(a) Birth rate
(b) Dependency ratio
(c) Sex ratio
(d) Growth rate

Ans: (b)
The dependency ratio measures the proportion of people below 15 and above 60 years to those in the working-age group (15–59 years).

Q6. Explain why population density varies across Indian states. (2 Marks) 

Ans: Population density differs due to:

1. Physical factors: Fertile plains in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar support dense populations, while hilly and rocky terrain in Arunachal Pradesh limits settlement.

2. Climate & resources: Areas with adequate rainfall, fertile soils, and better resource availability support higher densities, whereas extreme climates discourage settlement.

Q7. Define absolute increase and annual growth rate of population. (2 Marks)

Ans: 

• Absolute Increase: Total number of people added in a given period = Later population − Earlier population.

• Annual Growth Rate: Percentage increase in population per year, expressed as a % of the base population.

Q8. What is the role of migration in population change? (2 Marks)

Ans: Migration affects the distribution and composition of population.

• Internal migration: Redistributes population within a country (e.g., rural to urban).

• International migration: Changes population size and structure, especially age and sex ratios in urban areas.

Q9. Discuss the reasons for the uneven distribution of population in India. (3 Marks)

Ans: Uneven population distribution in India is due to:

• Geography: Fertile plains (e.g., Northern Plains) support high density due to agriculture, while rugged terrains (e.g., Himalayas) have sparse populations.
• Climate: Areas with moderate rainfall (e.g., Kerala) support higher densities than arid regions (e.g., Rajasthan).
• Economic Opportunities: Urban areas with jobs attract more people compared to rural areas with poverty and unemployment.

Q10. Describe the key features of the National Population Policy 2000. (3 Marks)

Ans: The National Population Policy 2000 aims to:

• Provide free and compulsory education up to 14 years of age.

• Reduce infant mortality to below 30 per 1,000 live births.

• Achieve universal immunization of children.

• Promote delayed marriage for girls.

• Make family welfare a people-centred programme.

Q11. Explain the impact of a declining death rate on India’s population growth. (3 Marks)

Ans: 

• Before 1980: High birth rates + falling death rates → Rapid population growth.

• Post-1981: Decline in birth rates slowed growth, but large base population still caused significant absolute increase.

• Improved healthcare and sanitation reduced mortality.

​Q12. Analyze the causes and consequences of rural-to-urban migration in India. (5 Marks)

​Ans:
Causes:

• Push Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities in rural areas drive people to cities.
• Pull Factors: Urban areas offer better employment, education, and living conditions.
• Agricultural Challenges: Low productivity and land shortages in rural areas encourage migration.

Consequences:

• Urban Growth: Urban population increased from 17.29% in 1951 to 31.80% in 2011, with 59 million-plus cities by 2023.
• Population Composition: Migration alters age and sex ratios in urban areas, with more working-age males.
• Challenges: Overcrowding, strain on urban infrastructure, and environmental degradation due to rapid urbanization.

Q13. Discuss the significance of the adolescent population in India and the challenges they face. (5 Marks)

Ans:
Significance:

• Future Resource: Adolescents (10-19 years) constitute one-fifth of India’s population, vital for future economic and social development.
• Potential for Growth: With proper education and health, they can drive innovation and productivity.
• Demographic Dividend: A large young population can boost economic growth if skilled and employed.

Challenges:

• Nutrition Deficiency: Inadequate diets lead to stunted growth and anaemia, especially among girls.
• Lack of Awareness: Limited access to education and health awareness hinders their development.
• Neglect in Policy: Adolescent issues, particularly for girls, have not received adequate focus in development programs.