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Geo Answer Key

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Maharashtra Board Class 12


Geography Solutions 2022

Question 1. Answer the sub-questions as per given instructions:


(A) Complete the chain according to the co-relation of factors in
column A, B and C:

S.No A B C
(1) Antarctica Modern type of No permanently
agriculture resident population
(2) Metropolitan City Atlantic Ocean More use of Capital
(3) Market Gardening Permafrost Economic Geography
(4) Panama Canal Population Geography Mumbai
(5) Human Million City Pacific Ocean
Geography

Solution.
S.No A B C
(1) Antarctica Permafrost No permanently resident
population
(2) Metropolitan City Million City Mumbai
(3) Market Gardening Modern type of More use of Capital
agriculture
(4) Panama Canal Atlantic Ocean Pacific Ocean
(5) Human Geography Population Geography Economic Geography
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(B) Do as directed:
(1) Arrange according to increase in age:
(A) Adults
(B) Children
(C) Old people
(D) Young people

Solution. According to increase in age:


(B) Children
(D) Young people
(A) Adults
(C) Old people

(2) Arrange in ascending order of settlements:


(A) City
(B) Metropolitan city
(C) Suburban city
(D) Mega city

Solution.
(C) Suburban city
(A) City
(B) Metropolitan city
(D) Mega city

(3) Arrange types of industries according to capital investment in


ascending order:
(A) Medium
(B) Micro
(C) Small scale
(D) Large scale
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Solution.
(B) Micro
(C) Small scale
(A) Medium
(D) Large scale

(4) Arrange administrative regions according to area in ascending


order:
(A) Village
(B) State
(C) District
(D) Taluka

Solution.
(A) Village
(D) Taluka
(C) District
(B) State

(5) Arrange the landuse with respect to growth in Gross domestic


product (GDP) from favourable to non-favourable factor:
(A) Barren land
(B) Grazing land
(C) Cultivated land
(D) Land under forest

Solution.
(C) Cultivated land
(B) Grazing land
(D) Land under forest
(A) Barren land
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(C) Choose the correct option by identifying the correct co-relation in


given statements:
A : Assertion R: Reason
(1) A: Fertile plain regions are densely populated.
R: Fertile soil is useful for agriculture.
(A) Only A is correct.
(B) Only R is correct.
(C) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(D) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Solution. The correct option is:

(C) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: Fertile plain regions being densely populated is a common


observation because fertile soil is conducive to agriculture, and regions with
good agricultural potential often support higher populations. In this case,
the reason (R) correctly explains why the assertion (A) is true.

(2) A: Broad base in population pyramid indicates higher number of


children.
R: Broad apex in population pyramid indicates higher number of
old people.
(A) Only A is correct.
(B) Only R is correct.
(C) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(D) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Solution. In population pyramid, a broad base indicates high number of


children in a country. R – Broad apex is an indicator of high number of
elderly people in a country. (a) Only A is correct.
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(3) A: India is agrarian country.


R: Population engaged in agriculture is high in India.
(A) Only A is correct.
(B) Only R is correct.
(C) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(D) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Solution. The correct option is:

(C) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: India being an agrarian country is supported by the fact that a


significant portion of its population is engaged in agriculture. The reason
(R) provides an explanation for why India is considered an agrarian country.
Therefore, both the assertion (A) and the reason (R) are correct, and the
reason correctly explains the assertion.

(4) A: Humid climate in Mumbai is suitable for cotton textile industry.


R: Mumbai is situated near Arabian Sea.
(A) Only A is correct.
(B) Only R is correct.
(C) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(D) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Solution. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

(5) A: Geographical location is necessary to an area.


R: Geographical location does not affect regional development.
(A) Only A is correct.
(B) Only R is correct.
(C) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(D) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Solution. The correct option is:


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(A) Only A is correct.

Explanation: Geographical location is indeed necessary for an area


because it can influence factors such as climate, resources, and
accessibility, which, in turn, affect the development of that region. However,
the reason (R) is incorrect, as geographical location does have an impact
on regional development. Therefore, only the assertion (A) is correct.

(D) Identify the incorrect factors:


(1) Factors affecting migration of population –
(A) Employment
(B) Education
(C) Census
(D) Health

Solution. The incorrect factor among the given options is:

(C) Census

Factors such as employment, education, and health are commonly


considered when analyzing migration patterns. However, the census itself
is not a direct factor influencing migration but rather a tool used to collect
demographic data.

(2) Primary economic activities –


(A) Agriculture
(B) Hunting
(C) Fishing
(D) Small scale industry

Solution. The incorrect factor among the given options is:

(D) Small scale industry

Explanation: Primary economic activities typically include agriculture,


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hunting, and fishing, which are activities directly involved in the extraction
and production of raw materials. Small scale industry is generally
considered a secondary economic activity, involved in the processing of
raw materials rather than their direct extraction.

(3) Factors favourable to cotton textile industry in Mumbai –


(A) Mineral
(B) Market
(C) Humid climate
(D) Supply of labour

Solution. The incorrect factor among the given options is:

(A) Mineral

Explanation: Factors favorable to the cotton textile industry in Mumbai


typically include a market (demand for textiles), a humid climate (suitable
for textile production), and a supply of labor. The presence of minerals is
not typically considered a primary factor for the success of the cotton textile
industry in this context.

(4) Modern modes of communication –


(A) Mobile
(B) Television
(C) Aeroplane
(D) E-mail

Solution. Aeroplane
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(5) Physical factors affecting the regional development –


(A) Topography
(B) Climate
(C) Market
(D) Water supply

Solution. The correct response for the physical factors affecting regional
development is:

(C) Market

Explanation: Physical factors typically include topography, climate, and


water supply, as these directly influence the natural conditions of an area.
Market, being an economic factor, is not a physical factor affecting regional
development. I appreciate your understanding.

Question 2. Give geographical reasons (Any FOUR)


(1) Population distribution is uneven.
(2) Growth of city is related to the land use.
(3) Lumbering activity has been developed in Canada.
(4) Distribution of industries is uneven.
(5) Regional development depends upon topography.
(6) Tertiary economic activities are called service sector activities.

Solution. Here are four geographical reasons for each of the statements
you provided:

(1) Population distribution is uneven.

● Geographical factors:
○ Climate: People tend to concentrate in areas with favorable
climates, such as temperate zones with moderate temperatures
and abundant rainfall.
○ Topography: Mountainous regions and dense forests often have
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lower population densities due to the challenges of living in


these environments.
○ Resource availability: Areas with abundant natural resources,
such as fertile land or mineral deposits, tend to attract more
people.
○ Accessibility: Regions with well-developed transportation
networks and infrastructure are generally more populous than
isolated areas.

(2) Growth of city is related to the land use.

● Geographical factors:
○ Physical features: Cities often develop around specific physical
features, such as harbors, rivers, or fertile plains, which provide
economic opportunities and transportation routes.
○ Land availability: The growth of a city is constrained by the
availability of suitable land for residential, commercial, and
industrial purposes.
○ Transportation networks: Cities tend to grow along
transportation corridors, such as highways, railways, and
waterways, which facilitate movement of people and goods.
○ Urban planning: Land use planning plays a crucial role in
guiding the growth of cities and ensuring sustainable
development.

(3) Lumbering activity has been developed in Canada.

● Geographical factors:
○ Vast forests: Canada has vast expanses of boreal forests,
which provide a rich source of timber for lumbering activities.
○ Favorable climate: The cool, moist climate in many parts of
Canada is suitable for the growth of coniferous trees, which are
valuable for lumber production.
○ Accessibility: Canada has a well-developed transportation
network, including railways and roads, which facilitates the
transportation of lumber from forests to processing facilities and
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markets.
○ Demand for timber: There is a global demand for lumber and
other wood products, which provides a strong economic
incentive for lumbering activities in Canada.

(4) Distribution of industries is uneven.

● Geographical factors:
○ Raw materials: Industries that rely on specific raw materials
tend to locate near the sources of those materials to reduce
transportation costs.
○ Markets: Industries that produce goods for local markets tend to
cluster in urban areas with large consumer populations.
○ Transportation networks: Industries that require efficient
transportation of goods tend to locate near major transportation
hubs, such as ports and airports.
○ Labor availability: Industries that require specialized labor often
locate in areas with a skilled workforce.

(5) Regional development depends upon topography.

● Geographical factors:
○ Mountainous regions: Mountainous regions often face
challenges for development due to limited land for agriculture,
transportation difficulties, and susceptibility to natural hazards.
○ Coastal regions: Coastal regions often have advantages for
development due to access to waterways, potential for fishing
and tourism, and opportunities for port development.
○ Plains regions: Plains regions typically have more favorable
conditions for agriculture, transportation, and urban
development.
○ Climate: Regional climates can significantly impact agricultural
productivity, energy consumption, and infrastructure
development.

(6) Tertiary economic activities are called service sector activities.


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● Geographical factors:
○ Urbanization: Tertiary activities are concentrated in urban areas,
where there is a high demand for services such as retail,
finance, and education.
○ Infrastructure: Well-developed infrastructure, such as
communication networks and transportation systems, supports
the growth of tertiary activities.
○ Technology: Technological advancements have fueled the
growth of tertiary activities, particularly in the areas of
information technology, professional services, and e-commerce.
○ Globalization: Globalization has facilitated the expansion of
tertiary activities across borders, leading to the growth of
international trade in services.

Question 3. Distinguish between (Any THREE):


(1) Birth rate and Death rate.
(2) Pull and Push factors of migration.
(3) Waterway transport and Airway transport.
(4) Physical Geography and Human Geography.
(5) Plantation agriculture and Extensive commercial agriculture.

Solution. Here are the distinctions between the three pairs you mentioned:

(1) Birth rate and Death rate.

Feature Birth rate Death rate

Definition The number of live births per The number of deaths per
1,000 people in a population 1,000 people in a population
per year. per year.

Impact A high birth rate indicates a A high death rate can


growing population, while a indicate poor health
low birth rate can lead to a conditions or a demographic
declining population. shift towards an older
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population.

Factors Factors influencing birth rates Factors influencing death


influencin include fertility rates, access rates include access to
g to contraception, and cultural healthcare, sanitation, and
norms. safety measures.

(2) Pull and Push factors of migration.

Featur Pull factors Push factors


e

Nature Encourage migration towards a Discourage migration from a


new location. current location.

Examp Job opportunities, better living Economic hardship, political


les standards, access to instability, natural disasters,
education, cultural attractions social unrest

Impact Attract people to new places, Drive people away from their
leading to population growth homes, causing population
and economic development in decline and economic
those areas. challenges in those areas.

(3) Waterway transport and Airway transport.

Feature Waterway transport Airway transport

Medium of Water bodies, such as rivers, The atmosphere.


transport lakes, and oceans.

Infrastructur Ports, canals, and locks. Airports, air traffic


e control systems, and
runways.
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Advantages Cost-effective for bulk cargo, Fast, efficient for


environmentally friendly for some time-sensitive goods,
goods, long-distance capabilities. high carrying capacity
for large items.

Disadvanta Reliance on weather conditions, High infrastructure


ges limited speed compared to air costs, limited cargo
transport, potential for accidents capacity, security
and environmental damage. concerns.

(4) Physical Geography and Human Geography.

Feature Physical Geography Human Geography

Focus Studies the natural Examines the relationship


features of the Earth's between humans and their
surface, including environment, including population
landforms, climate, water distribution, social patterns,
bodies, and vegetation. cultural landscapes, and
economic activities.

Approach Utilizes techniques such Employs methods from various


es as cartography, geology, disciplines, including
hydrology, and anthropology, sociology,
climatology. economics, and history.

Applicatio Helps understand natural Provides insights into human


ns processes, assess behavior, cultural diversity, and
environmental risks, and spatial patterns, contributing to
inform resource urban planning, regional
management decisions. development, and policymaking.
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(5) Plantation agriculture and Extensive commercial agriculture.

Feature Plantation agriculture Extensive commercial


agriculture

Scale Large-scale, monoculture Large-scale, mechanized


farming, often involving farming, often producing crops
foreign investment. or livestock for export.

Labor Less labor-intensive due Labor-intensive, relying on


intensity to mechanization. hired labor or migrant workers.

Environment Can lead to deforestation, Can contribute to soil erosion,


al impact soil degradation, and pesticide contamination, and
water pollution. habitat loss.

Sustainability Often criticized for its Can be more sustainable if


environmental and social adopted with conservation
impacts. practices and fair labor
standards.

Question 4. (A) Mark and name the following on the map of the world
with suitable index (Any SIX):
(1) Highly populated region in Australia.
(2) Canal which connects Red sea and Mediterranean sea.
(3) Headquarter of Hindustan Lever Limited.
(4) Mumbai port.
(5) Country having highest life expectancy.
(6) Mountainous region in South America.
(7) Largest desert in the world.
(8) Ruhur industrial region.
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(B) Read the following map and answer the questions given below: (5)
Questions:

(1) Which hemisphere has highest number of industrial regions?


(2) Name the industrial region in eastern Australia.
(3) Give the name of any two industrial regions in Asia.
(4) In which continent Venezuela industrial region lies?
(5) In which continent New England industrial region lies?

Question 5. Write notes on the following (Any THREE):


(1) Problems of urban settlements
(2) Intensive subsistence agriculture
(3) Importance of artificial satellites in telecommunication
(4) Occupational structure of population
(5) Role of transport in development of industries

Solution. Sure, Here are notes on the three topics you mentioned:

(1) Problems of urban settlements

Urban settlements, with their high concentration of people and activities,


face a multitude of challenges. These problems can be categorized into
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several broad areas:

1. Environmental issues: Urban sprawl, air and water pollution, solid


waste management, and energy consumption are major
environmental concerns in cities.
2. Infrastructure challenges: Providing adequate housing, transportation,
water supply, sanitation, and electricity to a growing urban population
is a constant struggle for municipal authorities.
3. Social disparities: Poverty, homelessness, crime, and social
segregation are prevalent in many urban areas, highlighting the issue
of inequality and social exclusion.
4. Economic challenges: Unemployment, underemployment, and
informal employment are widespread in urban centers, creating
economic hardships for many residents.
5. Urban planning and governance: Effective urban planning, efficient
governance, and community participation are crucial for addressing
the complex problems faced by cities.

(2) Intensive subsistence agriculture

Intensive subsistence agriculture is a farming system characterized by high


labor input and a focus on maximizing production from a limited area of
land. It is typically practiced in densely populated regions where land
availability is scarce.

Key characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture include:

1. Small landholdings: Farmers typically cultivate small plots of land,


often less than one hectare.
2. Labor-intensive practices: Hand tools and manual labor are
extensively used, minimizing the reliance on mechanization.
3. Multiple crops: Farmers often grow a variety of crops, including
vegetables, grains, and fruits, to maximize food production and
diversify their diets.
4. Integrated farming systems: Livestock is often integrated into the
farming system, providing manure for fertilization and additional food
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sources.
5. Sustainable practices: Intensive subsistence agriculture often
incorporates traditional farming techniques that promote soil
conservation and biodiversity.

(3) Importance of artificial satellites in telecommunication

Artificial satellites play a pivotal role in modern telecommunications,


revolutionizing the way information is transmitted and received across vast
distances. They have become the backbone of global communication
networks, enabling seamless connectivity for various applications.

Key advantages of satellite communication include:

1. Wide coverage: Satellites can provide coverage to remote and


inaccessible areas, bridging the digital divide and connecting
underserved communities.
2. Broadcasting capabilities: Satellites enable efficient broadcasting of
television, radio, and other multimedia content to a wide audience.
3. Mobile communication: Satellite-based mobile networks provide
communication services in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is
limited or absent.
4. Navigation and positioning: Satellites are essential for global
navigation systems (GPS) and positioning services, enabling
accurate location tracking and navigation.
5. Disaster communication: Satellite communication systems can be
crucial for maintaining connectivity during natural disasters or
emergencies.

(4) Occupational structure of population

The occupational structure of a population refers to the distribution of


workers across various occupations or job categories. It reflects the
economic activities and employment patterns within a society, providing
insights into the level of economic development and the characteristics of
the workforce.
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Key elements of the occupational structure include:

1. Primary sector: This sector encompasses occupations involved in


the extraction of raw materials, such as agriculture, forestry, and
mining.
2. Secondary sector: This sector includes occupations related to
manufacturing and processing, such as construction, manufacturing,
and utilities.
3. Tertiary sector: This sector comprises occupations providing
services, such as retail, finance, education, and healthcare.

The occupational structure of a population undergoes changes over time,


reflecting technological advancements, economic shifts, and societal
trends. As economies develop, there is a general shift from primary to
secondary and tertiary sectors, indicating a growing focus on services and
manufacturing.

Factors influencing the occupational structure include:

1. Level of economic development: Developed economies typically


have a higher proportion of workers in tertiary occupations, while
developing economies have a larger share of workers in primary and
secondary sectors.
2. Technological advancements: Technological innovations often lead
to the creation of new occupations and the transformation of existing
ones, affecting the occupational structure.
3. Educational attainment: The level of education and skill
development within a population influences the types of occupations
individuals can pursue.
4. Economic policies and labor market trends: Government policies
and labor market conditions can influence the demand for specific
occupations and the overall occupational structure.

Analyzing the occupational structure of a population provides valuable


insights into the economic dynamics of a society, helping policymakers
make informed decisions regarding education, training, and labor market
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development.

(5) Role of transport in development of industries

Transportation plays a crucial role in the development of industries by


facilitating the movement of raw materials, intermediate goods, and finished
products. It connects production centers to markets, enabling industries to
operate efficiently and reach a wider consumer base.

Key contributions of transportation to industrial development include:

1. Supply chain management: Transportation networks ensure the


timely and efficient movement of raw materials and components to
manufacturing facilities.
2. Distribution and logistics: Transportation infrastructure enables the
effective distribution of finished goods from production sites to
markets, reaching consumers across vast distances.
3. Access to markets: Transportation networks expand market reach,
allowing industries to tap into larger customer bases and expand their
business operations.
4. Global trade facilitation: Transportation plays a vital role in
international trade, enabling industries to source materials and export
products globally.
5. Economic linkages: Transportation networks foster economic
linkages between regions, stimulating development across various
sectors.

The development of efficient and reliable transportation systems is


essential for industrial growth, enabling industries to reduce costs, improve
productivity, and expand their reach. Transportation infrastructure
investments play a crucial role in promoting economic development and
enhancing the competitiveness of industries.
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Question 6. (A) Read the following passage and answer the questions
given below:
Agriculture: ‘A Primary Activity’
When we look at the distribution of agriculture as an occupation in the
world, we see that the proportion of people engaged in agriculture is
maximum in Africa and then in Asia. Though the area under
agriculture is more extensive in Europe, the America and Australia;
the percentage of population engaged in the activity is very less.
Generally, the developed countries of the world have less population
engaged in agriculture while the share of population engaged in
agriculture is higher in developing countries.
Various crops are produced in the different parts of the world. Various
physical and socio-economic factors influence the development of
agriculture. Various agricultural methods are found everywhere. Major
physical factors that influence agriculture are climate, topography,
soil and biotic factors. The economic and social factors include
labour, market, capital, transportation facilities, storage
facilities, government policies, population, ownership of land etc.
According to these factors, the cropping pattern changes.
Questions:
(1) In which continent there is less development of agriculture?

Solution. Based on the provided passage, there is less development of


agriculture in Europe, America, and Australia. This is evident from the
statement that these continents have more extensive areas under
agriculture but a lower percentage of the population engaged in agricultural
activities. The passage specifically mentions that Africa and Asia have a
higher proportion of people engaged in agriculture, indicating a greater
emphasis on this primary activity in those regions.
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(2) Which are the factors affecting agricultural practice?

Solution. The passage mentions various factors that affect agricultural


practice. These factors can be categorized into physical and
socio-economic factors:

1. Physical Factors:
○ Climate: The prevailing weather conditions in a region
significantly impact the type of crops that can be grown and the
farming practices adopted.
○ Topography: The physical features of the land, such as its slope
and elevation, can affect water drainage, sunlight exposure,
and the types of crops that can be cultivated.
○ Soil: The type and quality of soil in an area influence the choice
of crops and agricultural techniques. Different crops thrive in
different soil types.
○ Biotic Factors: This includes the presence of living organisms
like pests, diseases, and other wildlife that can affect crop
yields.
2. Socio-economic Factors:
○ Labour: The availability and efficiency of labor impact
agricultural practices. Mechanization or manual labor, for
example, can depend on the local labor force.
○ Market: Access to markets and demand for agricultural
products can shape what crops are grown and how they are
produced.
○ Capital: The availability of financial resources for investment in
machinery, seeds, fertilizers, etc., influences the scale and
efficiency of agricultural operations.
○ Transportation Facilities: The ease of transporting goods to and
from the farm affects the choice of crops and the ability to
access markets.
○ Storage Facilities: Availability of proper storage facilities
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influences the post-harvest management of crops.


○ Government Policies: Policies related to agriculture, subsidies,
regulations, and incentives can have a significant impact on
farming practices.
○ Population: The size and density of the population in a region
can affect the demand for agricultural products.
○ Ownership of Land: The pattern of land ownership and land
tenure systems can influence agricultural practices.

These factors collectively contribute to the complexity and diversity of


agricultural practices around the world.

(3) In which continent the percentage of population engaged in


agriculture is highest?

Solution. According to the information provided in the passage, the


percentage of the population engaged in agriculture is stated to be
maximum in Africa. Therefore, Africa has the highest percentage of its
population engaged in agriculture among the continents mentioned in the
passage.

(4) Which are the economic and social factors affecting agricultural
practices?

Solution. The passage mentions several economic and social factors that
affect agricultural practices. These factors include:

1. Labour: The availability and efficiency of labor impact agricultural


practices. The type of farming methods, whether manual or
mechanized, can depend on the local labor force.
2. Market: Access to markets and the demand for agricultural products
can shape what crops are grown and how they are produced.
Farmers often make decisions based on market conditions.
3. Capital: The availability of financial resources for investment in
machinery, seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs influences the scale
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and efficiency of agricultural operations. Capital plays a crucial role in


modernizing and improving farming practices.
4. Transportation Facilities: The ease of transporting goods to and from
the farm affects the choice of crops and the ability to access markets.
Efficient transportation is essential for the success of agricultural
activities.
5. Storage Facilities: Availability of proper storage facilities influences
the post-harvest management of crops. Adequate storage is crucial
for preserving the quality of harvested crops and managing market
supply.
6. Government Policies: Policies related to agriculture, such as
subsidies, regulations, and incentives, can have a significant impact
on farming practices. Government support or intervention can
influence the choices made by farmers.
7. Population: The size and density of the population in a region can
affect the demand for agricultural products. Population growth and
distribution play a role in determining what crops are in demand.
8. Ownership of Land: The pattern of land ownership and land tenure
systems can influence agricultural practices. The way land is owned
and managed can impact decisions related to crop selection and
farming methods.

These economic and social factors interact with each other and with
physical factors to shape the overall landscape of agriculture in a given
region.

(B) Draw neat, labelled diagrams (Any TWO)


(1) Linear settlement.
(2) Skills of geographers (any five).
(3) Provision of infrastructure and stimulus to minimize regional
imbalance.
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Question 7. Answer the following question in detail (Any ONE):


(1) Explain the physical factors affecting the distribution of
population. Give suitable example.

Solution. The distribution of population across the world is influenced by


various physical factors, which are the natural features and conditions of a
region. These factors can either attract or deter human settlement. One
significant physical factor is topography.

Topography: Topography refers to the physical features of the land,


including its relief, slope, and elevation. The topography of a region plays a
crucial role in determining where people choose to live. Here's how it
affects population distribution:

● Example: The Himalayan Region


The Himalayan region provides an excellent example of how
topography influences population distribution. The Himalayas are a
vast mountain range in South Asia, stretching across several
countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
○ Attracting Settlement in Foothills: The foothills of the Himalayas
have more favorable topography, with gentler slopes and fertile
valleys. These areas are conducive to agriculture and provide
suitable conditions for human settlement. As a result, you find
significant population concentrations in regions like the
Indo-Gangetic plains, which lie at the foothills of the Himalayas.
○ Deterrence at High Altitudes: The higher reaches of the
Himalayas, with steep slopes and harsh climatic conditions, are
less conducive to human habitation. The population in these
areas is sparse due to the challenges posed by the rugged
topography, including limited agricultural opportunities, difficult
terrain, and harsh weather conditions.
● In this example, the topography of the Himalayan region has led to
the concentration of population in the foothills where conditions are
more favorable for settlement and economic activities. The high
mountainous areas have lower population densities due to the
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physical challenges they present.

In summary, the topography of a region, including factors like slope and


elevation, can significantly influence where people choose to live. Regions
with more favorable topography often attract higher population densities,
while areas with challenging terrain may have sparser populations.

(2) Explain the nature of geography in detail.

Solution. Geography is a diverse and multidisciplinary field of study that


examines the Earth's physical features, the human societies that inhabit it,
and the interactions between humans and their environment. The nature of
geography can be understood by exploring its key characteristics,
perspectives, and sub-disciplines.

1. Spatial Perspective:
○ Geography is fundamentally concerned with space and the
distribution of phenomena across space. It looks at where
things are located, why they are located there, and how
locations relate to each other.
2. Physical Geography:
○ This branch focuses on the Earth's physical features, including
landforms, climate, vegetation, and natural processes like
erosion and plate tectonics.
3. Human Geography:
○ Human geography examines the spatial distribution of human
activities, such as population, culture, economics, and political
systems. It explores how humans interact with their
environment and with each other.
4. Integration of Physical and Human Elements:
○ Geography is unique in its integration of both physical and
human elements. It considers the relationships and interactions
between the natural environment and human societies.
5. Regional Analysis:
○ Geographers often analyze regions, which are areas with
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distinctive characteristics. Regional geography involves


studying the unique attributes of a particular area, considering
both physical and human factors.
6. Spatial Analysis:
○ Geographers use spatial analysis to understand patterns,
relationships, and trends in the distribution of phenomena. This
involves mapping and interpreting spatial data to identify spatial
trends and make predictions.
7. Interdisciplinary Nature:
○ Geography draws on knowledge from various disciplines,
including anthropology, sociology, ecology, geology, and
economics. This interdisciplinary nature allows geographers to
explore complex issues from multiple perspectives.
8. Global Perspective:
○ Geography takes a global perspective, examining phenomena
at various scales, from local to global. It considers how global
processes impact local places and vice versa.
9. Cultural and Environmental Determinism:
○ Historically, geography has been influenced by the concepts of
environmental determinism (the idea that physical environment
determines human culture) and cultural determinism (the idea
that human culture shapes the environment). While these ideas
have evolved, they have played a role in shaping the nature of
geographic inquiry.
10. Applied Geography:
● Geographical knowledge is applied in various fields, including urban
planning, environmental management, disaster response, and
international relations. Applied geography seeks practical solutions to
real-world problems.
11. Technological Advances:
○ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing
technologies have revolutionized the way geographers collect,
analyze, and interpret spatial data. These tools enhance the
precision and efficiency of geographic research.
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In summary, the nature of geography encompasses a spatial perspective,


the integration of physical and human elements, regional and global
analyses, an interdisciplinary approach, and a focus on both theoretical and
applied research. Geographers contribute valuable insights into
understanding the complexities of our world and addressing contemporary
challenges.

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