Maharashtra Board Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 – Population Solutions

📘 Q1. Complete the Following Sentences

(A) If the birth rate is greater than the death rate, then the population __________.

  • (i) decreases
  • (ii) increases
  • (iii) remains constant
  • (iv) becomes surplus

Answer: ✅ Option (ii) – increases

(B) People of __________ age group are included in the productive population.

  • (i) 0 to 14
  • (ii) 14 to 60
  • (iii) 15 to 60
  • (iv) 16 to 59

Answer: ✅ Option (iv) – 16 to 59

(C) The spread of modern technology in society is mostly dependent on __________.

  • (i) Sex Ratio
  • (ii) Birth Rate
  • (iii) Literacy
  • (iv) Migration

Answer: ✅ Option (iii) – Literacy

📘 Q2. Correct the Incorrect Statements

(a) The population density of a region can be understood from its area.

❌ Incorrect

✔ Correct Statement: The population density of a region can be understood from its area and the total population living in it.

(b) The quality of population is determined on the basis of literacy.

✔ Correct

(c) There is an adverse impact on manpower in the regions of out-migration.

✔ Correct

(d) Greater economic prosperity indicates the development of a region.

❌ Incorrect

✔ Correct Statement: Greater economic prosperity, higher standards of living, better quality of life, availability of opportunities, and freedom indicate the development of a region.

(e) Developing countries have an HDI of 1.

❌ Incorrect

✔ Correct Statement: Developing countries generally have an HDI between 0.50 and 0.60.

📘 Q3. Answer in Brief

(a) What are the aspects considered in the structure of population?

The following aspects are considered in the structure of population:

  1. Sex Structure: Subdivision of the population on the basis of gender.
  2. Age Structure: Division of the population into different age groups.
  3. Occupational Structure: Classification based on dependency and work participation.
  4. Rural-Urban Structure: Division based on place of residence.
  5. Literacy Structure: Classification based on the ability to read and write.

(b) Advantageous and Disadvantageous Factors Affecting Population Distribution

✅ Advantageous Factors:

  • Favourable climate
  • Flat plains
  • Abundant natural resources
  • Political stability
  • Industrialisation
  • Urbanisation
  • Fertile soil

❌ Disadvantageous Factors:

  • Undulating terrain
  • Unfavourable climate
  • Scarcity of resources
  • Political instability
  • Lack of transport facilities
  • Wars

(c) Problems in Areas of High Population Density

  1. Large-scale construction leads to deforestation and ecological imbalance.
  2. Shortage of clean water.
  3. Lack of basic amenities like housing, electricity, and transport.
  4. Rising unemployment due to excess labour.
  5. Increase in crimes and disturbance of social harmony.

(d) Problems in Areas of Low Population Density

  1. Shortage of skilled labour.
  2. Underutilisation of natural resources.
  3. Slow industrialisation and urbanisation.
  4. Low investment and reduced manufacturing activities.

📘 Q4. Give Geographical Reasons

(a) Population is an Important Resource

  1. The qualitative aspects of the population determine economic and social progress.
  2. Development of agriculture, industries, and services depends on human effort.
  3. Natural resources can be utilised effectively only by skilled people.
  4. Hence, population is an important resource for any country.

(b) Productive Population is an Important Group

  1. People aged 16 to 59 years are considered productive.
  2. They contribute actively to economic activities.
  3. They play a major role in the development of the country.

(c) The Study of Age Structure is Important

  1. It shows the proportion of children, youth, adults, and elderly.
  2. It helps determine the working and dependent population.
  3. It assists in planning educational, medical, and economic schemes.
  4. It indicates the speed of economic growth.

(d) Literacy is Directly Related to Development

  1. Higher literacy leads to economic, social, and cultural growth.
  2. Low literacy creates obstacles to development.
  3. Literacy improves quality of life and opportunities.

(e) Human Development Index (HDI) Shows Real Progress

  1. HDI values range between 0 and 1.
  2. 0 indicates least development and 1 indicates highest development.
  3. It is calculated based on income, health, and education.
  4. A higher HDI indicates a better standard of living.

📘 Q5. Write Notes

(A) Sex Ratio

  1. Sex ratio is the number of females per 1000 males.
  2. It is an indicator of gender equality.
  3. In India, the sex ratio is 948 females per 1000 males.
  4. Kerala has 1058 females per 1000 males, while Delhi has 821 females per 1000 males.

(B) Age Structure

  1. Age structure refers to the distribution of population by age groups.
  2. It helps in understanding birth and death trends.
  3. It assists in planning healthcare, education, and social welfare services.

(C) Literacy

  1. Literacy is an important quality of the population.
  2. Educated people become skilled and productive.
  3. According to the Census, a person who can read and write with understanding is considered literate.
  4. India’s literacy rate is 74.04%.
  5. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India at 93.91%.
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