Class 8 Geography Chapter 5: Human Resources – Questions and Answers (NCERT / JKBOSE)
Human Resources is an important chapter in Class 8 Geography that focuses on population as a valuable resource of a country. It explains how people contribute to development through education, skills, health, and productivity. The chapter also helps students understand population distribution, population change, and population composition.
In this post, you will find complete Question–Answer solutions for JKBOSE/NCERT Chapter 5 – Human Resources, written in simple and easy language for quick learning and memorization. The content is well-structured, exam-focused, and ideal for revision. Students can read online or download quality notes to make learning Geography simple, meaningful, and effective.
1. Answer the following questions
(i) Why are people considered a resource?
People are considered a resource because natural resources become useful only when people use their knowledge and skills to develop them. Human beings transform natural resources into useful products. Therefore, human resources are the ultimate resource.
(ii) What are the causes for the uneven distribution of population in the world?
Population distribution depends on several geographical, social, cultural, and economic factors.
Geographical Factors
Topography:
People prefer to live in plains rather than mountains or plateaus because plains are suitable for farming, industries, and transport. For example, the Ganga plains are densely populated, while the Himalayas and Andes are sparsely populated.
Climate:
People avoid extreme climates such as very hot deserts or very cold polar regions.
Soil:
Fertile soil supports agriculture and attracts population. Examples include the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains in India and the Nile valley in Egypt.
Water:
Availability of fresh water attracts settlements. River valleys are usually densely populated.
Minerals:
Regions rich in minerals attract industries and population.
Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors
Social Factors:
Places with good housing, education, and healthcare facilities attract people.
Cultural Factors:
Places of religious or cultural importance attract population. Examples include Varanasi, Jerusalem, and Vatican City.
Economic Factors:
Industrial areas provide employment opportunities, attracting large populations.
(iii) The world population has grown very rapidly. Why?
World population has grown rapidly because of:
- Advances in science and technology
- Improved healthcare facilities
- Better food production
- Lower death rates
These improvements increased life expectancy and caused rapid population growth.
(iv) Discuss the role of any two factors influencing population change.
Two important factors influencing population change are:
Birth Rate:
The number of births per 1,000 people in a year.
Death Rate:
The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.
Another factor is migration, which refers to the movement of people from one place to another.
- Immigrants: People entering a country
- Emigrants: People leaving a country
(v) What is meant by population composition?
Population composition refers to the structure of the population. It shows:
- Number of males and females
- Age groups
- Education levels
- Occupations
- Income levels
- Health conditions
This information helps in understanding the characteristics of a population.
(vi) What are population pyramids? How do they help in understanding about the population of a country?
A population pyramid (also called an age-sex pyramid) is a graphical representation of the age and sex composition of a population.
It helps to understand:
- The age distribution of people
- The percentage of males and females
- The number of dependents in the population
A pyramid with a broad base indicates high birth rate, while a narrow base indicates low birth rate.
2. Tick the correct answer
(i) Which does the term population distribution refer to?
✅ (c) The way in which people are spread across a given area.
(ii) Which are three main factors that cause population change?
✅ (b) Births, deaths and migration
(iii) In 1999, the world population reached
✅ (c) 6 billion
(iv) What is a population pyramid?
✅ (a) A graphical presentation of the age and sex composition of a population.
3. Complete the sentences
When people are attracted to an area it becomes densely populated.
Factors that influence this include favourable climate, good supplies of natural resources, and fertile land.
✅ Exam Tip:
Important terms from this chapter include population distribution, population composition, population pyramid, birth rate, death rate, and migration. These are commonly asked in Class 8 Geography exams.
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