Changing population Flashcards
Define population distribution
The spatial pattern of where people live.
Define population density
The number of people in a given area. This is usually given in people/km2.
How is the global population distributed?
The global population is very unevenly distributed.
What are the reasons that the global population is very unevenly distributed?
This uneven distribution is the result of both physical and human factors.
What should be noted about physical factors?
Physical factors impact each other, and rarely operate in isolation when considering the impact they have on population distribution. For example, climate impacts both soils and vegetation.
What should be noted about human factors?
Human factors are similarly interconnected so often work together. For example, employment opportunities are linked to accessibility.
What should be noted about physical and human factors?
Physical factors affect human factors. For example, climate determines agricultural opportunities.
Why might physical factors be considered the most important factors affect human population distribution?
Physical factors may be considered the most important factors affecting human population distribution, as they often determine where it is actually possible to live.
Why do physical factors no longer determine human population distribution to such a large extent these days?
In the past this was certainly true, but as technology has advanced many of the constraints imposed by physical factors have been overcome. For example, in modern society we can now have water piped to our houses so we do not have to live near a river or well.
What is the present-day global population distribution largely do too?
The present-day global population distribution has largely been determined by the historical effects of physical factors and the inertia that made it ‘too much effort’ to move.
What are the two types of impacts of climate on population distribution?
- Direct, through the temperature and precipitation totals and patterns; for example, population density is very low in deserts as it is too hot and dry
- Indirect, through the impact it has on soils and vegetation; for example, the tropical rainforest is hot and humid which creates very dense vegetation, making human settlement difficult.
What type of climates are more desirable for human habitation?
Temperate climates are more desirable for human habitation.
What is a temperate climate?
Moderate amounts of rainfall and the absence of extreme temperatures create easier living conditions and favour agriculture.
What do areas with extremes of temperature, precipitation or humidity due to settlements?
Areas with extremes of temperature, precipitation or humidity deters settlement.
How do areas with high temperatures deter settlements?
Areas with very high temperatures inhibit agriculture, especially if coupled with lack of precipitation. They can also cause health issues for humans, for example heat stroke and dehydration.
How do areas with low temperatures deter settlements?
Areas with very low temperatures inhibit agriculture, make construction of homes and infrastructure difficult and restrict outdoor activities. For example, Arctic regions suffer from permafrost which makes agriculture difficult.
How do areas with high humidity deter settlements?
Areas with high humidity, for example the Amazon Basin, are unpleasant for many people and humidity is often associated with disease vectors including mosquitoes.
What is an example of how technology has helped humans bypass a restriction posed by climate?
Air conditioning makes it possible to live in areas with high temperatures, and triple glazing and efficient heating systems make living in areas of with very low temperatures possible.
What are all the factors that determine population density?
- Climate
- Relief, altitude and latitude
- Water supply
- Natural resources
- Soils
What problems do steep slopes cause?
- Limit the effective use of agricultural machinery
- Have thin soils, further limiting agriculture
- Inhibit the use of machinery and cause difficulties in the construction of houses and transportation routes
Altitudes above how many metres are not favorable for human habitation?
Altitudes above 5,000 metres are not favourable for human habitation.
Why are altitudes above 5,000 metres not favorable for human habitation?
Because the low oxygen content of the air causes physiological problems, such as altitude sickness, for many people.
What percentage of the global population lives at less than 200 metres above sea level?
Because of the physiological problems that low oxygen content can cause over half of the global population lives at elevations less than 200 metres above sea level.
Why is rising sea levels due to climate change such a concern?
Because over half of the global population lives at elevation less than 200 metres.