Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The distribution of the global population is highly uneven, primarily influenced by geographical factors such as topography, climate, soil fertility, and water availability. - Statement 1 is Correct: It is a standard geographical fact that approximately 90 per cent of the world’s population occupies only about 30 per cent of the land area. The remaining 70 per cent of the land surface is either sparsely populated or uninhabited due to harsh environmental conditions. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Areas characterized by steep slopes, rugged topography, and high altitudes are generally sparsely populated. These regions present significant challenges for agricultural activities, the construction of infrastructure (roads, housing), and industrial development. - Statement 3 is Correct: Plains and river valleys are typically the most densely populated areas globally. These regions offer flat land and fertile soils, which are highly suitable for agriculture and facilitate the development of settlements and transport networks (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plains). Key Takeaway: Population density is directly correlated with the carrying capacity of the land; fertile plains and river valleys support high densities, while rugged terrain and extreme climates limit human settlement.

NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

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Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources:

Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area.
Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated.
Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The distribution of the global population is highly uneven, primarily influenced by geographical factors such as topography, climate, soil fertility, and water availability.

Statement 1 is Correct: It is a standard geographical fact that approximately 90 per cent of the world’s population occupies only about 30 per cent of the land area. The remaining 70 per cent of the land surface is either sparsely populated or uninhabited due to harsh environmental conditions.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Areas characterized by steep slopes, rugged topography, and high altitudes are generally sparsely populated. These regions present significant challenges for agricultural activities, the construction of infrastructure (roads, housing), and industrial development.
Statement 3 is Correct: Plains and river valleys are typically the most densely populated areas globally. These regions offer flat land and fertile soils, which are highly suitable for agriculture and facilitate the development of settlements and transport networks (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plains).

Key Takeaway: Population density is directly correlated with the carrying capacity of the land; fertile plains and river valleys support high densities, while rugged terrain and extreme climates limit human settlement.

Your note

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With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to landslides, consider the following statements: 1. They are defined as the mass movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. 2. They can occur in conjunction with earthquakes and volcanoes but not floods. 3. Intense blasting has no effect on the stability of slopes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The distribution of the global population is highly uneven, primarily influenced by geographical factors such as topography, climate, soil fertility, and water availability.

Statement 1 is Correct: It is a standard geographical fact that approximately 90 per cent of the world’s population occupies only about 30 per cent of the land area. The remaining 70 per cent of the land surface is either sparsely populated or uninhabited due to harsh environmental conditions.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Areas characterized by steep slopes, rugged topography, and high altitudes are generally sparsely populated. These regions present significant challenges for agricultural activities, the construction of infrastructure (roads, housing), and industrial development.
Statement 3 is Correct: Plains and river valleys are typically the most densely populated areas globally. These regions offer flat land and fertile soils, which are highly suitable for agriculture and facilitate the development of settlements and transport networks (e.g., the Indo-Gangetic plains).