Human Resources: CBSE Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 6 Notes

Key Terms for Human Resources

Human Resources

People with their skills, abilities, and knowledge who can be used to produce goods and services. They are the ultimate resource.

Population Distribution

The pattern of where people live. Population distribution across the earth’s surface is uneven.

Population Density

The number of people living in a unit area of the earth’s surface. It is usually expressed as per square kilometer.

Birth Rate

The number of live births per 1,000 people in a year.

Death Rate

The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another. Immigration is moving into a new country; Emigration is leaving a country.

Natural Growth Rate

The difference between the birth rate and the death rate of a country. It determines the natural increase in population.

Population Pyramid

A graphical representation showing the age and sex composition of a population. It helps in understanding the population structure.

Life Expectancy

The average number of years that a person can be expected to live.

Factors Affecting Population Distribution

The way people are spread across the Earth's surface is known as population distribution. This distribution is highly uneven, with some areas being very crowded and some being sparsely populated. Several factors influence this pattern, which can be broadly categorized into geographical and socio-economic factors.

Geographical Factors play a primary role. Topography is crucial; people prefer living on plains rather than mountains and plateaus because these areas are suitable for farming, manufacturing, and service activities. The Ganga plains are one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Climate is another major factor; people usually avoid extreme climates that are very hot (like the Sahara desert) or very cold (like the polar regions). Moderate climates attract more people. Soil fertility is also key, as fertile soils provide suitable land for agriculture. Fertile plains like the Nile in Egypt are densely populated. Access to water is essential, so people prefer to live in areas where fresh water is easily available, which is why river valleys are densely populated. The presence of minerals also attracts population, as mining and industrial activities generate employment.

Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors also significantly impact population distribution. Social factors like areas with better housing, education, and health facilities are more attractive. Cultural factors mean places with religious or cultural significance attract people. Economic factors are a major driver; industrial areas provide employment opportunities and attract large numbers of people. For example, Osaka in Japan and Mumbai in India are densely populated because they are major industrial and economic hubs.

Must Remember Facts

• People are the ultimate resource; their health, education, and motivation make them valuable.
• Over 90% of the world's population lives in about 30% of the land surface.
• The three most populous continents are Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Population density is calculated by dividing the total population by the total land area.
• The world population reached 1 billion in 1804 and rocketed to 6 billion in 1999, showing rapid growth.
• Population change is caused by three factors: birth rate, death rate, and migration.
• Natural Growth Rate = Birth Rate - Death Rate.
• Immigration increases a country's population, while emigration decreases it.
• A population pyramid with a broad base and narrow top signifies a high birth rate and a large young population.
• Countries like Japan have a narrow base in their population pyramid, indicating low birth rates.

Densely vs. Sparsely Populated Areas

Understanding Population Pyramids

Exam Writing Tips

For questions on 'Factors affecting population distribution', always structure your answer with both Geographical and Socio-Economic factors. Give at least two examples for each category (e.g., 'Plains for topography' and 'Industrial areas for economic factors') to get full marks. When asked to interpret a population pyramid, mention what the base and top signify about birth rates, death rates, and the proportion of dependents.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• What is the formula for population density? Population Density = Total Population / Total Area.
• Name two socio-economic factors that attract people to an area. Two socio-economic factors are: 1. Presence of industrial areas offering jobs, and 2. Areas with better education and health facilities.
• What does a population pyramid with a broad base and rapidly narrowing top indicate? It indicates a high birth rate, a large young population, and a high death rate, meaning few people reach old age.
• What is the difference between birth rate and natural growth rate? Birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people. Natural growth rate is the difference between the birth rate and the death rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions