Important Questions (2 marks): Population - Class 9 MCQ

Human beings, also known as human resources, are considered both resource-creating factors and resources themselves. With their intellect, creativity, and labor, humans transform natural resources into usable goods and services, thereby driving economic growth and development. For example, raw materials like minerals or crops gain value only when human efforts convert them into useful products like machinery or food. This ability to innovate and create makes humans unique among resources.

A natural event becomes a disaster when it impacts human lives and infrastructure to a severe extent. For example, a flood in an uninhabited area might not be termed a disaster since it doesn't cause damage or disruption to human activity. Conversely, if the same flood affects a crowded area like a village or town, it leads to loss of lives, displacement, and property damage, overwhelming local coping capacities and causing widespread suffering.

The study of population helps us understand its interaction with the environment. Population size, growth, and distribution influence the demand for natural resources, urbanization, and environmental pressures. For instance, high population density in a region may lead to deforestation or pollution. By studying characteristics like age, gender, and literacy, we can assess social and economic trends and design policies to address environmental challenges effectively.

Understanding population dynamics is crucial because human beings both produce and consume resources. For example, people generate agricultural and industrial goods while consuming food, energy, and other resources. Knowledge about population size and growth helps policymakers ensure resource sustainability and equitable distribution while addressing challenges like unemployment or overpopulation.

The Census is the most comprehensive source of population data in India. Conducted every 10 years, it collects detailed information on population size, distribution, literacy, employment, and other demographic aspects. Unlike textbooks or surveys, the Census provides official and up-to-date data essential for planning infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Population studies encompass several concerns, including:

1. Size and distribution to assess resource demands.
2. Growth and change processes, such as migration or birth rates, to understand demographic trends.
3. Characteristics, like age and education, to identify social needs.
   Together, these factors help governments and organizations design effective policies for sustainable development.

As of 2023 estimates, India accounts for approximately 17% of the global population, making it the second-most populous country after China. This significant proportion highlights India's role in global demographics, economics, and resource consumption.

Uttar Pradesh, with over 200 million residents, is the most populous state in India. Its population exceeds that of many countries and plays a critical role in India’s economy, politics, and culture.

Sikkim, in northeastern India, has the lowest population among Indian states, with approximately 670,000 residents. Its rugged terrain and remote location contribute to its sparse population density.

Lakshadweep, an archipelago in the Arabian Sea, has the smallest population among Indian union territories. Its limited land area and resources contribute to the low population.

While Kerala has a high population density, it is not among the five most populous states, which include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh accounts for approximately 16.16% of India’s total population, reflecting its status as the most populous state.

Despite being the largest state by area, Rajasthan is sparsely populated compared to its size, accounting for about 5.5% of India’s population.

Population density measures the number of people living per unit area, such as a square kilometer. For instance, India’s density in 2011 was 382 persons per sq km.

Bangladesh, with over 1,124 people per sq km, surpasses India’s population density of 382 persons per sq km, due to its smaller land area and high population.

In 2001, India’s population density was 324 persons per sq km, later rising to 382 in 2011, reflecting urbanization and population growth.

West Bengal, with over 1,000 persons per sq km, has one of the highest population densities in India due to its small area and urbanization.

With only 17 people per sq km, Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest density due to its mountainous terrain and sparse settlements.

Tamil Nadu has a moderate density of around 555 persons per sq km, balancing urbanization with rural areas.

Kerala’s density of 860 persons per sq km reflects its urbanization and agricultural productivity.

India’s population of 1.38 billion accounts for 17.7% of the world total, underscoring its demographic prominence.

Age composition categorizes a population by age, affecting economic dependency and workforce potential.

A high birth rate leads to a significant proportion of children in a population. This is often observed in countries with limited access to family planning or education about population control. The high birth rate results in a young population, impacting dependency ratios and requiring resources for education and healthcare.

Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India, consistently above 90%. This success is attributed to its focus on education and social reforms. The state has invested heavily in school infrastructure, teacher training, and universal access to education, making it a role model for other states.

Bihar has the lowest literacy rate among Indian states, reflecting challenges such as poverty, lack of educational infrastructure, and high dropout rates. Despite efforts to improve the situation, socio-economic barriers continue to limit progress in education.