Population Distribution

Question 1

What is meant by the term ‘carrying capacity’?

Answer 1

the maximum number of people that a place can support, given the availability of food, water and resources

Question 2

What is population distribution?

Answer 2

The spread of a population

Question 3

What are 5 physical factors that impact where people are found?

Answer 3

• soil
• climate (type and change)
• hazards
• resources
• topography

Question 4

How does climate impact populations?

Answer 4

• climate for growing crops
• water availability
• tropical diseases

Question 5

How does soil impact populations?

Answer 5

• soil water content and quality impacts agriculture

Question 6

How do hazards impact populations?

Answer 6

• dangerous, some people may leave
• potential for energy production and fertile soil

Question 7

How do natural resources impact populations?

Answer 7

• oil/fossil fuels used for energy
• water availability for agriculture and sanitation
• wood and other resources needed for settlement growth

Question 8

How much rain does the North of Niger receive?

Answer 8

200mm

Question 9

How much rain does the South of Niger receive?

Answer 9

600mm

Question 10

Describe the population distribution in Niger…

Answer 10

Larger population density in the South and far more sparsely populated in the North

Question 11

What are 2 physical factors causing the population distribution in Niger?

Answer 11

• lack of water in the North (no crops/sanitation)
• high levels of droughts in the North -> poor soil quality?

Question 12

What are 2 human factors causing the population distribution in Niger?

Answer 12

• lack of infrastructure -> no food aid
• lack of investment in irrigation systems (however wouldn’t be needed as much if there was rainfall)
• culturally want larger families

Question 13

What are 2 human factors causing the population distribution in China?

Answer 13

• access to coast -> industry and opportunities
• bigger cities attracting more people

Question 14

What are 2 physical factors causing the population distribution in China?

Answer 14

• East has little rainfall and more arid conditions
• East has mountains and deserts