Dynamics of Population Class 8 Question Answer SST Part 2 Chapter 6 - #NCSOLVE 📚

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Dynamics of Population Class 8 Questions and Answers

Dynamics of Population Class 8 Question Answer

The Big Questions? (Page 167)

Question 1.
What is demography?
Answer:
Demography is the study of the size, structure, composition, and distribution of the human population and how it changes over time due to births, deaths, and migration. It helps us understand how many people live in a region, their age groups, gender distribution, education levels, occupations, and other characteristics.

Question 2.
What are some important concepts of demography?
Answer:
Some important concepts of demography include:

• Birth rate: The number of live births per 1,000 people in a year.
• Fertility rate: The average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime.
• Replacement level fertility (2.1): The fertility rate required to keep the population stable.
• Death (mortality) rate: The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.
• Child mortality rate: The number of deaths of children under five per 1,000 live births.
• Life expectancy: The average number of years a newborn is expected to live.
• Migration: The movement of people from one place to another.
• Sex ratio: The number of females per 1,000 males.
• Population pyramid: A graph showing age and gender distribution.
• Demographic transition: The shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops.
• Demographic dividend: Economic growth potential due to a large working-age population.

Question 3.
How has the population of India and the world changed over time?
Answer:
The world population has increased rapidly, especially after the 1950s, due to medical advancements, better sanitation, improved nutrition, and economic growth. It grew from about 2.5 billion in 1950 to over 8 billion today. However, growth is now slowing in many countries due to declining fertility rates.

India’s population has grown significantly since independence. India became the world’s most populous country in 2023. However, its fertility rate has declined from very high levels in the 1950s to below replacement level today. Life expectancy has increased, and child mortality has decreased sharply.

India is currently experiencing a demographic dividend due to a large working-age population, but it may begin ageing after 2050.

Question 4.
How do population trends shape societies and economies?
Answer:
Population trends strongly influence social and economic development:

• A high birth rate increases demand for schools, healthcare, and jobs.
• A large working-age population can boost economic growth (demographic dividend).
• A low fertility rate may lead to population ageing and a shrinking workforce.
• An ageing population increases pressure on healthcare systems and pension schemes.
• Migration can increase urban growth but may also create pressure on housing, transport, and resources.
• A balanced sex ratio promotes social stability and equitable development.
• Thus, understanding population trends helps governments plan policies for education, employment, healthcare, and economic development.

Class 8 Dynamics of Population Question Answer

Let’s Explore

Question 1.
Ask your family members if they have observed any of the following changes around them over the years: (Page 172)
Farmland or green spaces being turned into new buildings for housing; more crowded streets; more cars and buses; and traffic congestion in public spaces; changing types of homes (e.g., smaller apartments, more single-family homes). What could be the possible reasons behind these changes?
Answer:
These changes are mainly due to population growth over time, as the number of births has increased and death rates have declined.

• Improved healthcare and sanitation have increased life expectancy, leading to more people living longer and increasing overall population size.
• Migration from villages and smaller towns to cities for better employment and education opportunities has increased urban population.
• Rapid urbanisation has led to the construction of new housing. converting farmland and green spaces into residential buildings.
• The concentration of a large population in limited urban areas has resulted in crowded streets, traffic congestion, and pressure on resources like water, land, and transportation services.
• Changing economic conditions and rising cost of living in cities have influenced the type and size of homes, leading to more apartments and smaller housing units.

Question 2.
Why is the replacement rate 2.1 and not 2 (parents get replaced by children)? What are the situations in which the replacement rate can be higher? (Page 173)
Answer:
The replacement rate is 2.1 and not exactly 2 because not all children survive to adulthood, and not all grow up to have children of their own. A small extra number (0. 1) ensures that the population replaces itself even after accounting for child mortality and other losses.

The replacement rate can be higher in situations where:

• Child mortality is high, meaning more children die before reaching adulthood.
• Healthcare facilities are poor, leading to higher death rates.
• Living conditions and nutrition are inadequate, affecting survival rates.
• There is higher mortality among young people, requiring more births to maintain population stability.
• Therefore, 2.1 children per woman is considered necessary to keep the population stable under normal conditions.

Question 3.
Observe fertility and literacy rates in select Indian states in the below table. Do you find a relationship between the two indicators? Prepare a report on your observations and possible reasons for the same. (Page 175)

State/UT	Fertility rate	Literacy rate among women (%)
Bihar	3.0	55
Uttar Pradesh	2.4	66.1
Jharkhand	2.3	61.7
Karnataka	1.7	73.4
Punjab	1.6	79.4
Delhi	1.6	83.7

Answer:
Yes, there is a clear relationship between fertility rate and literacy rate among women.

• Bihar has a high fertility rate (3.0) and low female literacy rate (55%).
• Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand also have relatively higher fertility rates and lower literacy rates.
• Karnataka, Delhi, and Punjab have lower fertility rates (around 1.6-1.7) and much higher female literacy rates (above 70-80%).

This shows that states with higher female literacy tend to have lower fertility rates, while states with lower female literacy tend to have higher fertility rates.

Possible reasons:

• Improvements in access to quality education, especially for girls, lead to delayed marriage and fewer children.
• As women receive formal education and work in formal jobs, they are more likely to marry later and have smaller families. With rapid urbanisation and higher cost of living, especially in cities, families prefer to have fewer children.
• Thus, higher female literacy is closely linked to lower fertility rates, which slows population growth.

Question 4.
Census figures of 2001 as well as 2011 show the overall number of females per 1,000 males being much less than 1,000. Some states, however, had over 1,000 or near 1,000 (Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu). What might be the reasons for this? (Page 180)
Answer:
The sex ratio represents the number of females per 1,000 males and reflects a country’s socio-economic and cultural dynamics.
States like Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu have a better or balanced sex ratio because:

• These states have higher literacy rates, especially among women.
• Women have better access to education and healthcare, improving their survival and well-being.
• There is greater awareness and social development, leading to more equitable treatment of women.
• Improved healthcare reduces female mortality and increases life expectancy.

Since sex ratio reflects social and economic conditions, states with better development indicators tend to have a more balanced or higher sex ratio.

Think About It

Question 1.
If many young people migrate from villages or smaller towns to cities, which changes could take place in their native villages? (Page 177)
Answer:
If many young people migrate from villages or smaller towns to cities, several changes can take place in their native villages. The village population may decrease, especially the number of people in the working-age group. This can lead to a shortage of labour for farming and other local occupations, which may reduce agricultural production. Mostly elderly people.

Women and children may remain in the village, changing the age and gender composition of the population. Social life may also be affected as schools may have fewer students and traditional activities may decline. However, migration can also bring positive changes because the migrants may send money (remittances) back home, which can improve living standards, housing, education, and healthcare facilities in the village. Thus, migration can cause both economic and social changes in rural areas.

Question 2.
If the replacement rate is less than 2, what will the population pyramid look like? Will there ever be a situation where the number of children is less than the number of aged people? What is likely to happen to the population of such a country over time? (Page 183)
Answer:
If the replacement rate is less than 2 (that is, less than about 2.1 children per woman), the population pyramid will have a narrow base because fewer children are being born. It will look more like a rectangular or even an inverted pyramid, where the lower age groups (children) are smaller compared to the adult and older age groups.

Yes, there can be a situation where the number of children becomes less than the number of older people. This usually happens in developed countries with very low birth rates and longer life expectancy. Over time, the population of such a country is likely to age and gradually decline, because fewer young people are available to replace the older generation. This may lead to problems like a shortage of workforce and increased pressure on the working population to support the elderly.

Question 3.
Indian society has had the concept of ashrama dharma, where life is divided into four phases – brahmacharya, grihasthashrama, vanaprastha and sanyasa. Though older people begin to withdraw from economic activities, they continue to play other important roles – share their knowledge and wisdom with family and society as needed. Cultural continuity becomes possible through their guidance in rituals, storytelling, etc. They hold knowledge that may not necessarily be in books. Can you think of all the ways in which older people in your neighbourhood contribute to their family and society? (Page 186)
Answer:
In Indian society, the idea of Ashrama dharma divides life into four stages-brahmacharya, grihasthashrama, vanaprasiha, and sanyasa – where older people gradually step back from economic work but continue to guide society.

In our neighbourhood, older people contribute in many meaningful ways. They share their life experiences and wisdom with children and youth, helping them make better decisions. Grandparents often tell stories about history, culture, and moral values, which helps in preserving traditions and ensuring cultural continuity. They guide families in performing rituals, festivals, and community functions. Many elderly people also take care of grandchildren while parents are working, thus supporting the family system.

They may offer advice in solving family disputes and maintaining unity. Some older people actively participate in social service, religious gatherings, or community meetings. In these ways, even though they may not be economically active, they play a very important social, cultural, and emotional role in both family and society.

Class 8 SST Part 2 Chapter 6 Question Answer

Questions and Activities (Pages 187 – 190)

Question 1.
Why is it important for a country to study its population through demography?
Answer:
It is important because demography helps understand population size, structure, and changes due to births, deaths, and migration. Governments use this information to plan schools, hospitals, housing, roads, water supply, and employment. It also helps allocate resources properly and manage development effectively.

Question 2.
How can a low fertility rate affect a country’s future economy and workforce?
Answer:
If fertility falls below the replacement level, the population may shrink over time. This leads to fewer young people entering the workforce and more elderly people who need care. This can slow economic growth and increase pressure on healthcare systems and pension payments due to fewer taxpayers.

Question 3.
Do you think a high birth rate is always good for a country? Why or why not
Answer:
A high birth rate is not always good. When birth rates remain high while death rates fall, population grows rapidly. This can create pressure on resources, housing, employment, education, healthcare, water, and transportation.

Question 4.
Do you think it’s better to have more people or fewer people in a country? What are the challenges countries face in the case of a fast-growing or shrinking population?
Answer:
A fast-growing population can put pressure on land, water, housing, transport, and public services. A shrinking or ageing population results in fewer workers, slower economic growth, and an increased burden of pensions and healthcare for elderly people. Therefore, both extremes create challenges.

Question 5.
How does the age structure of a country affect the kind of jobs and services it needs? Explain with examples.
Answer:
If a country has many young children, it needs more schools and child healthcare facilities. If it has a large working-age population, it needs more employment opportunities. If it has more elderly people, it requires more healthcare services and pension support.

Question 6.
Why do you think families are generally getting smaller? Does having fewer children ensure better education and health for them? How does it affect families and society?
Answer:
Families are getting smaller due to improved access to education (especially for girls), women working in formal jobs, urbanisation, and higher cost of living in cities. With fewer children, families can invest more in education and healthcare for each child. Smaller families also slow population growth over time.

Question 7.
Observe the graph showing changes in life expectancy across gender in India and answer:

(a) Has life expectancy in India increased? If yes, what could be the reasons?
(b) What was the life expectancy of males and females in 2010?
Answer:
(a) Yes, life expectancy has increased. The chapter explains that improved healthcare, better nutrition, sanitation, vaccines, and medical advancements reduced mortality and increased longevity.
(b) From the graph, in 2010:

• Male life expectancy was around 65 years.
• Female life expectancy was around 68 years.

Question 8.
What is a demographic dividend, and how does it benefit a country? What does India need to do to make the most of it before 2050?
Answer:
Demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential resulting from a large working- age population. It benefits a country because more working people means higher productivity, more income, and more taxes for development.

India needs to invest in education, skill development, healthcare, and employment generation to fully utilise this opportunity before the population begins ageing after 2050.

Question 9.
Choose two countries (for example: India and Japan). Find out their:
Population size
Fertility rate
Life expectancy
Age distribution
How are they different? What might be the reasons behind these differences? For instance, find out how countries with ageing populations are managing this.
Answer:
India

• Population size: India became the world’s most populous country in 2023.
• Fertility rate: India’s fertility rate has declined and is now below replacement level (around 1.9 in 2025).
• Life expectancy: Life expectancy in India has increased to about 70 years.
• Age distribution: Around 65% of India’s population is in the working-age group, giving it a demographic dividend.

Japan

• Population size: Japan’s population is shrinking.
• Fertility rate: Japan has very low fertility rates (below replacement level).
• Life expectancy: High life expectancy, resulting in a larger elderly population.
• Age distribution: Japan has an ageing population with a larger share of elderly people and fewer young workers.

Differences

• India has a young population, while Japan has an ageing population.
• India has a large working-age population, while Japan has a shrinking workforce.
• India is experiencing a demographic dividend, while Japan faces challenges of supporting more elderly people.

Reasons for differences:

• Declining fertility rates in developed countries like Japan.
• Higher life expectancy in developed nations leading to ageing populations.
• Differences in economic development, urbanisation, women’s workforce participation, and education levels.

How ageing countries manage this:

• Raising retirement age.
• Using technology and automation to compensate for labour shortages.
• Providing pensions and healthcare support systems.

Question 10.
Imagine you are a researcher who intends to study migration patterns in your locality. Make a questionnaire to collect data on the following questions.
Name of the person
Age of the person
Occupation of the person
Place of residence
Number of years lived in the place
List the factors contributing to migration, such as lack of facilities, poor infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and so on.
Answer:
i. The chapter explains that migration is the movement of people within or outside a country for better employment, education, or due to natural disasters and political instability, and that migration may be temporary or permanent.
Based on this, the questionnaire can include:
(i) What is your original place of residence (village/ town/state/country)?
(ii) When did you migrate to this locality?
(iii) What was the maîn reason for migration?

• Better employment opportunities
• Education
• Natural disasters
• Political instability

(iv) Is your migration temporary or permanent
(v) Has your migration improved your employment opportunities?
(vi) Has migration changed your living conditions?
(vii) Do you plan to stay here permanently or return to your original place?
(viii) What challenges do you face in this area (housing, water, transport, etc.)?

Question 11.
Draw a population pyramid on graph paper for India using the data given in the following table.
Age-group-wise percentage distribution of population (estimated for 2021)

Age Group	Male (%)	Female (%)
0 – 4	8.6	8.2
5 – 9	8.9	8.4
10 – 14	8.7	8.6
15 – 19	9.3	9.0
20 – 24	9.5	9.1
25 – 29	9.0	8.6
30 – 34	8.1	8.0
35 – 39	7.1	7.4
40 – 44	6.3	6.7
45 – 49	5.7	6.0
50 – 54	5.0	5.2
55 – 59	4.2	4.2
60 – 64	3.2	3.3
65 – 69	2.4	2.7
70 – 74	1.8	2.1
75 – 79	1.2	1.4
80+	0.9	1.2

Answer:
To draw the population pyramid:

• Draw a vertical line in the centre of the graph paper.
• Mark age groups on the vertical (Y) axis from 0 – 4 up to 80+.
• Mark a percentage scale on the horizontal (X) axis on both sides.
• Plot male percentages on the left side.
• Plot female percentages on the right side.
• Draw horizontal bars for each age group according to the percentages given in the table.

What the pyramid shows:

• The younger age groups (0 – 29 years) have higher percentages, showing a broad base.
• The middle age groups (30 – 59 years) form a wide middle section, indicating a large working-age population.
• The older age groups (60+ years) have smaller percentages, showing a narrower top.
• This indicates that India has a large working-age population and is currently experiencing a demographic dividend, though the elderly population is gradually increasing.

Question 12.
Observe the population pyramid for Japan in 2023 below. What can you infer from this? Write your observations and share in the class.

Answer:
From the population pyramid of Japan (2023), we can infer:

• The base of the pyramid is narrow, which indicates low birth rates.
• The middle and upper age groups are wider, showing a large elderly population.
• Japan has an ageing population. With more elderly people and fewer young people.
• Low fertility rates have led to a shrinking population.
• An ageing population means fewer workers to replace retired people, which can slow economic growth.
• The government may face challenges in paying pensions and providing healthcare due to fewer young taxpayers.
• The population pyramid of Japan (2023) shows that Japan is in an advanced stage of demographic transition, with low birth rates, high life expectancy, and a growing elderly population.

The post Dynamics of Population Class 8 Question Answer SST Part 2 Chapter 6 appeared first on Learn CBSE.

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