Identify the characteristics of population growth from statements below:
A. It refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a territory during a specific period of time.
B. It may be positive as well as negative.
C. It can be expressed either in terms of absolute numbers or in terms of percentage.
D. Population growth is always positive.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → A, B and C only
A. It refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a territory during a specific period of time. Correct. This is the meaning of population growth or population change.
B. It may be positive as well as negative. Correct. The number of people may rise or fall between two points of time.
C. It can be expressed either in terms of absolute numbers or in terms of percentage. Correct. India added 18.15 crore people between 2001 and 2011 (an absolute number); the same change in per cent is the growth rate.
D. Population growth is always positive. Incorrect. It contradicts statement B. Growth is negative when the population decreases, which happens when the birth rate falls below the death rate or people migrate to other countries.
NCERT (2025-26): “POPULATION GROWTH … The population growth or population change refers to the change in number of inhabitants of a territory during a specific period of time. This change may be positive as well as negative. It can be expressed either in terms of absolute numbers or in terms of percentage. Population change in an area is an important indicator of economic development, social upliftment and historical and cultural background of the region.” |