Population and Resources Quiz

What concern is mentioned about having fewer people in a given place?

• It may affect the economy and care for the elderly

• It will lead to more pollution

• It will increase crime rates

• It will cause more natural disasters

Answer explanation

Having fewer people can lead to economic decline and challenges in providing adequate care for the elderly, as there may be fewer workers and resources available to support these needs.

What do population geographers focus on?

• Spatial aspects of populations

• Economic growth

• Climate change

• Technological advancements

Answer explanation

Population geographers focus on the spatial aspects of populations, examining how people are distributed across different areas and the factors influencing these patterns, rather than economic growth, climate change, or technology.

What historical example is used to explain the diffusion of crops?

• The banana diffused along the Silk Roads

• Rice cultivation in Asia

• Corn spread in the Americas

• Wheat farming in Europe

Answer explanation

The banana's diffusion along the Silk Roads illustrates how trade routes facilitated the spread of crops across regions, showcasing the interconnectedness of cultures and agriculture.

What is a modern concern related to population and resources?

• It feels like a 21st century climate crisis issue

• It is no longer relevant

• It is only a local issue

• It is a problem of the past

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that population and resource issues are central to the 21st century climate crisis, emphasizing their relevance today. Other options incorrectly suggest these concerns are outdated or localized.

Who first proposed the "Malthusian Prediction"?

• Ester Boserup

• Thomas Malthus

• John Smith

• Karl Marx

Answer explanation

The "Malthusian Prediction" was first proposed by Thomas Malthus in his 1798 work, where he argued that population growth would outpace food supply, leading to inevitable famine and societal collapse.

What does the demographic transition model try to approximate?

• Economic growth rates

• How birth and death rates lead to population change

• Technological advancements

• Cultural shifts

Answer explanation

The demographic transition model illustrates how changes in birth and death rates affect population growth over time, making 'How birth and death rates lead to population change' the correct choice.

What did Malthus believe was linked to population growth?

• Wealth

• Poverty

• Education

• Technology

Answer explanation

Malthus believed that population growth would inevitably lead to poverty, as resources could not keep pace with the increasing number of people. He argued that this imbalance would result in widespread hardship.

What is one tool demographers use to study population changes?

• Economic models

• Demographic transition model

• Technological forecasts

• Cultural analysis

Answer explanation

The demographic transition model is a key tool used by demographers to analyze and understand changes in population dynamics, including birth and death rates over time, making it the correct choice.

What did Malthus and Boserup both focus on in their theories?

• Economic growth

• Carrying capacity

• Technological advancements

• Cultural shifts

Answer explanation

Malthus and Boserup both focused on carrying capacity, which refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain. Their theories explore how population growth interacts with resources and limits.

What is the relationship between birth rate and population change?

• Birth rate has no effect

• Birth rate leads to population change

• Birth rate decreases population

• Birth rate only affects technology

Answer explanation

The birth rate directly influences population change; a higher birth rate typically leads to an increase in population, while a lower birth rate can result in population decline. Thus, the correct choice is that birth rate leads to population change.