Unit 4 Exam Questions

Question 1

(c) Suggest why, as a country develops, its people’s calorie consumption tends to increase.

Answer 1

Higher incomes: Affordability of better and more food.

Improved food production techniques: Increase in food availability and variety.

Enhanced transport networks: Better distribution of food and availability of imports.

Advanced retail systems: Greater variety of food available in stores.

Shift in dietary patterns: Increased consumption of meat and high-calorie foods as a status symbol.

Globalization: Adoption of calorie-rich diets influenced by Western culture.

Question 2

(a) Compare recent changes in life expectancy in LICs/MICs and HICs.

Answer 2

General trends: Life expectancy has increased in both LICs/MICs and HICs over the past 40 years.

Rate of improvement: LICs/MICs have experienced faster growth compared to the slower or plateauing trends in HICs.

Current disparities: HICs still maintain a significantly higher average life expectancy.

Factors causing fluctuation in LICs/MICs: Impact of wars, disasters, and epidemics, which can cause temporary declines.

Gender differences: Female life expectancy remains higher in both LICs/MICs and HICs, but the gap is more pronounced in HICs.

Infant mortality’s role: Significant reductions in infant mortality in LICs/MICs have substantially contributed to rising life expectancy.

Question 3

(c) Suggest two reasons why there may be a limit to the increase in calorie consumption.

Answer 3

Physiological Limitations: There is a natural cap to how much food individuals can consume daily.

Resource Constraints: Limited agricultural capacity and environmental challenges, such as climate change, can restrict food production.

Health Issues: Higher calorie intake can lead to health problems such as obesity and heart disease, reducing consumption awareness.

Economic Costs: Rising food prices may limit access to higher-calorie diets.

Population Growth: Increased population absorbs food output, preventing a significant rise in per capita calorie consumption.

Question 4

(a) (i) Explain the concept of optimum population.

Answer 4

Optimum population refers to a theoretical population size where resources are efficiently utilized to maximize the per capita standard of living under given economic, environmental, and technological conditions. It balances resource availability and population demands to achieve the highest quality of life.

Question 5

(ii) Describe two consequences of overpopulation.

Answer 5

Resource Scarcity: Overpopulation leads to shortages in food, water, and energy, resulting in hunger and increased costs.

Environmental Degradation: Overuse of land, deforestation, and pollution contribute to loss of biodiversity and climate change impacts.

Question 6

(b) Explain the role of constraints in relation to sustaining population.

Answer 6

Constraints limit the capacity to sustain populations, affecting both numbers and quality of life:

Physical Constraints: Natural hazards like floods, droughts, or poor soil reduce food production and increase mortality rates.

Economic Constraints: Trade barriers, insufficient technology, and capital limit resource accessibility.

Social Constraints: Poor education, healthcare, and high birth rates strain resources.

Political Constraints: Ineffective governance or conflict reduces infrastructure development and resource allocation.

Constraints can lead to:
Population reduction via higher mortality or migration.

Development of technologies to overcome resource limitations.

Question 7

(c) Suggest why both low calorie consumption and high calorie consumption can have harmful consequences.

Answer 7

Low Calorie Consumption:

Leads to malnutrition and deficiency diseases, such as beriberi.
Results in low energy levels, causing lethargy and reduced productivity.
Can lead to starvation and increased mortality rates.

High Calorie Consumption:

Increases the risk of obesity and associated illnesses like diabetes.
High fat content in diets leads to heart diseases and cancer.

Question 8

(a) Describe the links between economic development and changes in infant mortality rate.

Answer 8

As economic development increases, infant mortality rates decrease.

Greater wealth allows for investments in healthcare, including prenatal and postnatal care.

Higher levels of female education improve maternal knowledge and child-rearing practices.

Better nutrition reduces malnutrition and related diseases in children.

Improved housing and sanitation lower the risk of infections and diseases.

Infrastructure development, such as transport networks, improves access to medical care in remote areas.

Question 9

(b) With the aid of one or more examples, outline the issues caused by a youthful population.

Answer 9

Demographic:
High birth rates maintain population momentum, adding pressure on resources.

Economic:
Increased costs for education and healthcare.
High unemployment rates among young people due to limited job opportunities.

Social:
Strain on housing and public services, leading to overcrowding.
Potential for social unrest if expectations are not met.

Political:
Younger populations may push for political reforms, creating tensions with traditional authorities.

Example: In countries like Kenya, the youthful population places significant pressure on the education system and job market, leading to high dependency ratios.

Question 10

(c) Explain why having a youthful population can be a challenge for LICs/MICs.

Answer 10

Economic Strain:
High demand for public services such as education, healthcare, and food supply.
Governments face difficulty financing these needs due to limited resources.

Dependency Ratio:
High proportion of dependents compared to the working-age population limits economic growth.

Social Pressure:
Overcrowded schools and hospitals create strain on infrastructure and reduce the quality of services.

Unemployment:
Many young people entering the job market face limited opportunities, leading to economic stagnation.

Question 11

(a) Compare the meaning of the terms birth rate and fertility rate.

Answer 11

Birth Rate: Refers to the number of live births per 1000 people in a year.

Fertility Rate: Refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her childbearing years (usually 15–50 years).

Key distinctions:
The birth rate is a general population measure, while the fertility rate focuses on women of childbearing age.

Fertility rate includes considerations such as replacement level (e.g., 2.1 children per woman), while birth rate does not.

Question 12

(b) With the aid of examples, explain why fertility rates are very low in some countries.

Answer 12

Social Factors:

Higher education levels for women delay marriage and reduce family size.
Example: Japan, where career-oriented women have fewer children.

Economic Factors:

High cost of raising children in HICs discourages large families.
Example: Sweden, where childcare and housing costs are significant concerns.

Cultural Norms:

Shift from traditional large families to nuclear families.

Government Policies:

Successful anti-natalist policies, such as in Singapore and India

Question 13

(c) Explain two issues caused by ageing populations.

Answer 13

Economic Burden:

Increased costs of pensions and healthcare place a heavy tax burden on the working-age population.

Workforce Shortages:

A smaller workforce reduces economic productivity, leading to slower economic growth.

Question 14

(a) (i) Describe the variation in natural increase rate in Stages 1–5 of the demographic transition model (DTM).

Answer 14

Stage 1: Low and fluctuating natural increase due to high birth and death rates.

Stage 2: Rapid increase as death rates fall while birth rates remain high.

Stage 3: Natural increase slows as birth rates decline.

Stage 4: Low and stable natural increase as both birth and death rates are low.

Stage 5: Negative natural increase as birth rates fall below death rates.

Question 15

(a) (ii) Give two reasons why changing the natural increase rate can be difficult.

Answer 15

Cultural Norms: Resistance to changes in family size due to traditions or religious beliefs.

Economic Constraints: Lack of resources to implement effective policies, such as family planning programs.

Question 16

(c) Give two socio-economic reasons why the proportion of the youthful population is decreasing in many MICs.

Answer 16

Improved Education and Career Goals:
Greater access to education, particularly for women, delays marriage and reduces fertility rates.

Increased Costs of Raising Children:
Urbanization and higher living costs discourage larger families.

Question 17

(a) (i) State three causes of high infant mortality rates.

Answer 17

Poor maternal health and nutrition.

Lack of access to healthcare services.

Unsanitary living conditions leading to diseases.

Question 18

(a) (ii) Explain two effects of high infant mortality rates.

Answer 18

High Fertility Rates:
Families compensate for high infant mortality by having more children.

Economic Pressure:
Increased burden on households to care for surviving children while managing grief.

Question 19

(b) With the aid of one or more examples, explain why the death rate falls in Stage 2 of the demographic transition model (DTM).

Answer 19

Improved Healthcare: Availability of vaccines and antibiotics reduces infectious diseases.
Example: Introduction of smallpox vaccination campaigns in many LICs.

Better Sanitation and Clean Water: Reduces mortality from waterborne diseases.
Example: Clean water initiatives in Bangladesh during the 20th century.

Enhanced Nutrition: Advances in agriculture improve food security.
Example: Green Revolution in India.

Question 20

(c) Explain the policies governments may use to lower fertility rates.

Answer 20

Family Planning Programs:

Providing access to contraceptives and education on birth control.
Example: Widespread use of contraceptives in Bangladesh.

Education for Women:

Increasing female literacy reduces fertility by delaying marriage and improving awareness.
Example: Kenya’s educational initiatives for girls.

Economic Incentives and Disincentives:

Offering financial benefits for small families or imposing penalties on larger families.
Example: Singapore or India

Health Improvements:

Reducing infant mortality decreases the need for large families as “insurance.”

Question 21

(a) (i) Define the term infant mortality rate (IMR).

Answer 21

The number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1000 live births per year.

Question 22

(a) (ii) Briefly explain why IMR and fertility rate may be related.

Answer 22

High IMR: Families may have more children to ensure survival of some.

Low IMR: Reduced need for “replacement” births as more children survive.

Other factors: Improvements in healthcare, maternal education, and access to contraception influence both rates.

Question 23

(b) Using examples, explain why infant mortality rates are high in some countries.

Answer 23

Poor Healthcare Access:

Lack of skilled birth attendants and medical facilities.
Example: Rural areas in Somalia.
Malnutrition:

Inadequate maternal and child nutrition increases vulnerability to disease.
Example: Severe malnutrition during the Sahel drought crisis.
Unsanitary Living Conditions:

Contaminated water supplies lead to diseases like diarrhea, a leading cause of infant deaths.
Example: Slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Conflict:

Disruptions to healthcare and food supplies.
Example: Syria’s civil war affecting infant survival rates.

Question 24

(b) Suggest two reasons for the difference in the mean age of mothers at the birth of their first child between HICs and LICs/MICs.

Answer 24

Cultural Expectations in LICs/MICs:
Women marry and start families earlier due to societal norms.

Education and Career Focus in HICs:
Women in HICs delay childbirth to pursue higher education and career goals.

Question 25

(c) Explain why birth rates are decreasing in many MICs.

Answer 25

Increased Contraceptive Use:
Greater access to and awareness of family planning methods.

Education of Women:
Women prioritize education and career, reducing family sizes.

Improved Infant Survival Rates:
Lower child mortality reduces the perceived need for larger families.

Cultural Shifts:
Decline in traditional norms favoring large families.

Question 26

(c) Explain why birth rates may vary with the income of the parents.

Answer 26

Low-income families:
High birth rates may occur because children are seen as economic assets, helping with labor or supporting parents in old age.
Limited access to contraception and high infant mortality encourage larger families.

High-income families:
Lower birth rates due to the high costs of raising children, including education and healthcare.
Wealthier families may prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on fewer children.

Question 27

(a) (i) Define the concept of carrying capacity.

Answer 27

Carrying capacity refers to the largest population that the resources of a given environment can sustainably support.

Question 28

(a) (ii) Briefly explain two causes of food shortages.

Answer 28

Natural disasters:
Floods, droughts, and crop diseases can disrupt food supply.

Population growth:
Rising demand outpaces the ability of agricultural systems to produce sufficient food.

Question 29

(b) With the aid of examples, explain the factors that lead to increasing food production in an area.

Answer 29

Technological advancements:
Introduction of mechanization and genetically modified crops to improve yields.
Example: Use of high-yield varieties in the Green Revolution in India.

Infrastructure development:
Improved storage and transportation reduce food waste.
Example: Cold chain logistics in Kenya’s flower industry.

Agrochemicals and irrigation:
Use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems boosts productivity.
Example: Drip irrigation in arid regions like Israel.

Question 30

(c) Suggest two reasons why the proportion of the population aged 60 or over is low in some countries.

Answer 30

High death rates and low life expectancy:
Poor healthcare and living conditions result in fewer individuals reaching older ages.
Example: Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with high mortality rates.

Youthful population structures:
High birth rates and rapid population growth result in a large proportion of the population being young.

Question 31

(a) (i) Define the term food security.

Answer 31

Food security is the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life.

Question 32

(a) (ii) Suggest two ways in which food security in a country can be threatened.

Answer 32

Climate change and environmental degradation:
Extreme weather events like droughts and floods reduce agricultural output.

Population growth and rising demand:
Increased demand for food outstrips supply, leading to shortages.

Question 33

(b) Using examples, explain the roles of technology and innovation in overcoming food shortages.

Answer 33

Improved irrigation and farming methods:
Example: Drip irrigation systems in arid regions improve water efficiency.

Genetically modified (GM) crops:
Example: Drought-resistant maize in African countries increases resilience to climate change.

Post-harvest technologies:
Improved storage facilities reduce spoilage, ensuring more food reaches consumers.
Example: Hermetic storage bags in Kenya.

Question 34

(c) With the aid of a diagram(s), explain how population structure may be influenced by a reduction in infant mortality rates.

Answer 34

Short-term impacts:
Increased survival rates widen the base of the population pyramid.
Youth dependency ratio rises temporarily.

Long-term impacts:
Lower infant mortality reduces the perceived need for large families, eventually narrowing the base.
Population stabilizes as birth rates decline.

Diagram suggestion: A population pyramid showing a wide base initially, gradually narrowing as the birth rate adjusts.

Question 35

(a) (i) Describe how the death rate changes over time in the demographic transition model (DTM).

Answer 35

Stage 1: High and fluctuating due to famine, disease, and poor medical care.

Stage 2: Rapid decline with improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and food supply.

Stage 3: Continues to fall but at a slower rate.

Stage 4: Stabilizes at a low level.

Stage 5: May rise slightly due to ageing populations.

Question 36

(a) (ii) Suggest two reasons why the death rate falls before the birth rate falls in the DTM.

Answer 36

Healthcare improvements:
Introduction of vaccines and better sanitation reduce mortality.

Cultural and social inertia:
Birth rates remain high initially due to cultural norms and lack of access to family planning.

Question 37

(b) With the aid of examples, explain why some countries have high death rates.

Answer 37

Economic challenges:
Lack of funding for healthcare leads to high mortality.
Example: Limited access to hospitals in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Diseases and epidemics:
Spread of communicable diseases like malaria or AIDS.

Environmental factors:
Natural disasters and famine exacerbate mortality rates.
Example: Frequent droughts in the Sahel region.

Ageing populations:
High death rates in HICs due to elderly populations.