human enviroment Flashcards
population
what is population density?
Population density is the number of people in each square km. It is affected by a combination of environmental factors, political factors and economic factors
what are the key points for describing population distribution of the world or of a specific country?
Use compass points to help you ‘In the north.’
Mention where places are in relation to other places on the map ‘to the west of…’
Describe the overall pattern. ‘Most of the villages are in the north.’
Use specific numbers and details including names on the map in your description. ‘The population density in the north around Inverness is 20 people per km2’
Describe where the information shows similarities and where it shows differences
why can climate differ population distribution?
People like to live in areas where there are no extreme temperatures and there is rain all year round. Climate can limit the number of people that live in an area for example Russia. The conditions are unpleasant and expensive to live in; the growing season is too short to
grow crops therefore food has to be bought in. It is also very hard to build on soil that is frozen for over half the year.
People do not want to live where there is no rain either for example the middle of Australia. Again the living conditions are unpleasant and it’s hard to grow crops because the soil is too thin and eroded easily by the wind.
why can soil differ population distribution?
Some river valleys are very crowded like the Nile Valley. The reason being is the soil here is very fertile so lots of crops can be grown in a small area. Also the valley is very flat so provides water all year round to people.
why can relief differ population distribution?
People would rather live in areas that are flat and in the lowlands. Mountain ranges tend to be sparsely populated like the Himalayas. This is because of the cold temperatures and the poor soils. The slops also cause a problem because they are difficult to build on.
why can resources differ population distribution?
Where there are natural resources the population density tends to be higher. Areas like North-East America have attracted people because of the employment opportunities in the
mining fields. Also scenery attracts tourist, which attract people to the area to work or
even retire like California.
why can communications differ population distribution?
Areas that are not well connected by roads, railways, airports and ports are less populated as industry is rarely attracted to the area meaning fewer jobs for the locals. An example of this area would be Northern Canada.
why can technology development differ population distribution?
Countries with advanced technologies and well-educated people can support higher population densities like Japan.
why can economic activies differ population distribution?
Areas where industry is the main activity have higher population densities like Southeast Australia. Large amounts of people can be employed in a very small area. On the other hand it takes a large area of land to support people who have large farms like the Great Plains in
USA.
Why is it important to collect data?
Population numbers – to calculate grants for local authorities to plan e.g. schools and teacher numbers.
Health – to know the age and socio-economic make-up of the population to allocate health and social services resources.
Housing – to ascertain the need for new housing.
Employment – to help government and businesses plan jobs and training policies.
Transport – to identify where there is pressure on transport systems and for planning of roads and public transport.
Ethnic Group – to identify the extent and nature of disadvantage in Britain.
why is the worlds population changing?
The number of people in the worlds is increasing because there are more people being born (birth rate) than there are dying (death rate).
what is a population pyramid?
Population pyramids can show the age/sex ratio of a country.
how to describe a developing population pyramid?
The pyramid for a developing country has a wide base and steep sides leading to a narrow top.
The base is very wide because it has a very high birth rate due to lack of contraception.
The steep sides show there is a high death rate, as well as the numbers at the top of the pyramid are low.
Low life expectancy also means that the pyramid has a wide base and mid-section.
how to describe a developed population pyramid?
The narrow base and bullet shape shows there is a low birth and death rate.
The maximum age is higher because there is better healthcare available, meaning it doesn’t taper as steeply.
Contraception is also widely available unlike in Sierra Leone, meaning that the birth rate is controlled keeping the general population at constant level.
People live longer and life expectancy is much greater because of the available healthcare and better living conditions
why do people in developing countries have large families?
Children can help on the farm
No pensions or old folks homes so children needed to look after parents in old age
With high numbers of children dying people have more so that some survive to adult-hood
Contraceptives are difficult to get
Traditions and religions do not agree with contraceptives
what are solutions to developing countries having large families?
Increase education on Family planning
Laws like Chinas’ One Child Policy
More Education for females
Incentives for smaller families like free healthcare
More opportunities for sterilisation and abortions
why are women in developed countries having children later on in life?
More women working
Women want to buy luxury goods instead
Put off having babies until they can afford equipment
Want big houses
The use of contraceptives not seen as wrong
Contraceptives are available to everyone
what are solutions to women having children later on in life?
More Paternity leave
More maternity benefits
Raising retirement age (increasing tax payer and reducing pensions)
Encourage women to work
Providing more childcare
Allowing more immigrants
Encourage people to take out private pensions.
