Question

Can you tell ?
Con you think of the factors besides
Physiography which affect
the distribution of
population ? Make a list.
​

Answer 1

Answer:

These factors operate not in isolation but in combination with each other. One cannot, therefore, isolate the influence of any one factor on population distribution. Further, the interplay between these determinants is generally very complex. The primary task of a population geographer, therefore, is to explain the irregularities in population distribution in terms of the influences of all these factors as an integral part of a dynamic process (Clarke, 1972:14).

1. Physical Factors:

Physical factors that affect population distribution include altitude and latitude, relief, climate, soils, vegetation, water and location of mineral and energy resources. It is important to note that most of the physical factors influence population distribution only indirectly through climatic conditions.

The influences of latitude and altitude on population distri­bution cannot be separated from one another. High altitude in general imposes an ultimate physiological limit upon human existence due to reduced atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content. Therefore, very few permanent settlements can be seen in the lofty mountains of the world at a height above 5,000 metres. Staszewski, in his exhaustive analysis of the vertical distribution of population, has shown that both numbers and densities in different parts of the world decline with increasing altitude.

According to him, a little more than 56 per cent of the world’s population lives within 200 metres from the sea level, and over 80 per cent within 500 metres. However, in low latitude areas, which are otherwise hot and less favourable, high altitude provides suitable conditions for human habitation. Mountains in Africa and Latin America are much healthier than plains, and large cities have sprung up at high altitude. La Paz, the highest city in the world (3,640 m) and the capital of Bolivia, owes its existence to this factor. As against this, in the high latitude areas, it becomes extremely difficult to live beyond a few hundred metres from sea level. It is in this context that a famous population geographer has referred to “mountains that attract and mountains that repel”.

Relief features also play an important role in influencing population distribution. The influence of altitude has already been noted. Among the other aspects of relief features which affect human habitation are general topography, slope and aspect. The main concentrations of human population are confined to the areas marked with flat topography. Rugged and undulating topog­raphy restricts the condensation of human population in any area.

Abrupt changes in the density of population can be seen on the world map of population distribution where plains meet mountain ranges. Rising Himalayas, thus, mark the northern limit of dense population in the Ganga plain. Similarly, the Deccan plateaus with rugged and undulating topography appear distinct from the plains in respect of population concentration. In the mountainous areas valleys provide suitable locations for human settlements. Likewise, sun-facing slopes provide favourable locations for the emergence and growth of settlements.

Similarly, the quality of soils exerts an undeniable influence on the distribution of world population. The fertile alluvial and deltaic soils can support dense populations. Thus, most of the major concentrations of populations in the world are located in the river valleys and deltas. Great civilizations of the world have almost invariably flourished on good fertile alluvial soils. Similarly, the chernozems of steppe grasslands and rich volcanic soils can support dense population.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

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