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

mcqeasy

Which one of the following factors is the most significant determinant of the uneven distribution of population globally?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AWealth
BTechnology
CLand & climate
DPolitics

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Land & climate

Explanation

The global distribution of population is highly uneven and is influenced by a combination of geographical, economic, social, and political factors. Among these, geographical (physical) factors act as the primary constraints and enablers for human habitation.

Detailed Analysis

Land & Climate (Correct): These are the most significant determinants of population distribution.
- Land forms (Relief): People prefer living on flat plains and gentle slopes because these areas are favorable for the production of crops and the building of roads and industries. Mountainous and hilly areas hinder the development of transport networks and hence initially do not favor agricultural and industrial development.
- Climate: An extreme climate such as very hot or cold deserts are uncomfortable for human habitation. Areas with a comfortable climate, where there is not much seasonal variation, attract more people. Areas with very heavy rainfall or extreme climates have low population.
Wealth (Incorrect): While economic factors like industrialization and urbanization lead to the clustering of populations (e.g., the Kobe-Osaka region in Japan), they typically develop in areas that are already geographically accessible. Wealth modifies distribution but is not the primary global determinant compared to physical habitability.
Politics (Incorrect): Political stability or unrest can encourage or discourage migration (e.g., refugees leaving conflict zones), but this influences specific regional demographics rather than the fundamental global pattern of habitation.
Technology (Incorrect): Technology enables humans to survive in harsh environments (e.g., air conditioning in arid regions or heating in polar zones), but it does not override the fundamental preference for naturally habitable zones on a global scale.

Key Takeaway

Geographical factors, specifically the nature of the terrain (land) and the suitability of the climate, are the fundamental and most significant determinants of where human populations settle globally.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

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?

medium

Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

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?

hard

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:

medium

Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

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Correct Option

The correct option is

Land & climate

Explanation

Detailed Analysis

Land & Climate (Correct): These are the most significant determinants of population distribution.
- Land forms (Relief): People prefer living on flat plains and gentle slopes because these areas are favorable for the production of crops and the building of roads and industries. Mountainous and hilly areas hinder the development of transport networks and hence initially do not favor agricultural and industrial development.
- Climate: An extreme climate such as very hot or cold deserts are uncomfortable for human habitation. Areas with a comfortable climate, where there is not much seasonal variation, attract more people. Areas with very heavy rainfall or extreme climates have low population.
Wealth (Incorrect): While economic factors like industrialization and urbanization lead to the clustering of populations (e.g., the Kobe-Osaka region in Japan), they typically develop in areas that are already geographically accessible. Wealth modifies distribution but is not the primary global determinant compared to physical habitability.
Politics (Incorrect): Political stability or unrest can encourage or discourage migration (e.g., refugees leaving conflict zones), but this influences specific regional demographics rather than the fundamental global pattern of habitation.
Technology (Incorrect): Technology enables humans to survive in harsh environments (e.g., air conditioning in arid regions or heating in polar zones), but it does not override the fundamental preference for naturally habitable zones on a global scale.