Population and the Environment practice questions

Question 1

Explain how climate influences global population distribution.

Answer 1

Extreme climates (e.g. deserts, Arctic) discourage dense settlement due to harsh living conditions. Temperate climates with moderate rainfall and stable temperatures support agriculture and attract population. Climate affects disease risk, food security, and water availability. Example: High population in Western Europe vs. low in Sahara or Siberia.

Question 2

Outline one way water supply can affect population density.

Answer 2

Reliable water supply supports agriculture, industry, and domestic use, allowing high population densities. Areas with limited water (e.g. deserts) have low densities. People settle near rivers/lakes (e.g. Nile Valley) due to easier access to water.

Question 3

Explain how soil quality impacts patterns of human settlement.

Answer 3

Fertile soils (like alluvial soils) support farming and attract population. Poor soils (e.g. desert or tundra soils) reduce productivity and discourage dense settlement. Degraded or eroded soils may lead to migration away from affected areas.

Question 4

Outline how resource availability influences population growth rates.

Answer 4

Abundant resources (oil, minerals, fertile land) support economic growth and attract migrants. This can raise birth rates due to improved living conditions and job opportunities. Lack of resources may slow population growth or lead to emigration. Example: Rapid growth in oil-rich Gulf countries.

Question 5

Explain how development processes can affect population change.

Answer 5

Economic development reduces death rates via better healthcare and sanitation. Education, especially for women, often leads to lower fertility rates. Urbanisation encourages rural–urban migration. Follows the demographic transition model: birth and death rates change with development.