1.3: Population Structure (Paper 1 and 2)

Question 1

Explain reasons why there are different types of population structures: (3)

Answer 1

• Fertility: affects the size of the youngest age group as all births necessarily enter the population at age 0. (1)
• Mortality: If mortality in young age groups is decreasing (infant and child mortality), the population gets primarily younger and if mortality in higher age groups is decreasing, the population gets older. (1)
• Migration: In areas where natural disasters or politico-military concerns lead to entire populations being displaced the initial population structure will be unchanged, though post-migration the population will have altered to reflect those who have survived the process, typically showing increases in older children and younger adults. (1)

Question 2

Explain the implications of population structure:

Population pyramids mean that population issues can be identified. There are range of issues including:…. (3)

Answer 2

• Ageing populations (1)
• Falling birth rates (1)
• Impacts of migration (1)

Question 3

Define the term population structure: (2)

Answer 3

The composition of a population, (1) the mpst important elements of which are age and sex. (1)

Question 4

Define the term population pyramid: (2)

Answer 4

A bar chart arranged vertically. (1) that shows the distribution of a population by age and sex. (1)

Question 5

Define the term dependency ratio: (2)

Answer 5

The ratio of the number of people under 15 and over 64 years (1) to those 15-64 years of age. (1)