Guru Harkrishan Public School

Comprehension passage
World population Day
Class XII
Set-IV
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

With over 7.8 billion people on the planet, the rapid increase in population has led to negative consequences
such as environmental degradation and social and economic challenges. The global human population has
grown rapidly in the last century, primarily due to advancements in medical care and technology. However,
the availability of resources is not keeping pace with the population growth, leading to problems like
overcrowding, poverty, and environmental degradation.

Population explosion is the rapid increase in human population over a short period of time. It mentions that
the term was coined by British demographer Aurel Wilberforce Stott in 1944, who warned about the dangers
of unchecked population growth. The issue gained further attention with the publication of Paul Ehrlich's
book "The Population Bomb" in 1968, which raised awareness about overpopulation.

The causes of population explosion are discussed, including advances in medicine and healthcare services,
decrease in infant mortality rates, urbanization and migration, cultural norms and family planning, and
improvements in agricultural practices and food production. These factors have contributed to the rapid
growth of the global population.

The consequences of population explosion are examined, such as strain on resources and rising prices,
environmental degradation and climate change, strain on infrastructure and services, healthcare challenges
and limited access, poverty, inequality, and unemployment, urbanization issues and overcrowding, education
constraints and quality, and cultural and social transformations. These consequences pose challenges to
sustainable development and societal well-being.

There are several ways to address population explosion, including education and empowerment for informed
choices, reducing infant mortality for family planning, government policies for sustainable population
management, addressing poverty for sustainable development, promoting sustainable practices for
environmental preservation, and education and collective action for environmental awareness. These
strategies aim to promote responsible family planning, sustainable development, and environmental
preservation.
In conclusion, population explosion is a pressing issue requiring immediate attention. It calls for collective
action from individuals, governments, and organizations to find solutions to population growth through
education, family planning programs, and sustainable development initiatives. It highlights the importance of
realizing the consequences of our actions and taking responsibility for the well-being of future generations.

1. Which of the following best defines population explosion?

a) The rapid decrease in human population over a short period of time.

b) The slow increase in human population over a long period of time.

c) The rapid increase in human population over a short period of time.

d) The stable population size of human beings over a long period of time.

2. What is one of the causes contributing to population explosion?

a) Increase in mortality rates.

b) Limited access to healthcare services.

c) Decrease in fertility rates.

d) Migration from urban areas to rural areas.

3. What are some consequences of population explosion?

a) Decreased strain on resources and rising prices.

b) Reduction in poverty levels and unemployment.

c) Environmental preservation and climate stability.

d) Strain on infrastructure and services.

4. How can population explosion be addressed?

a) By implementing policies that encourage larger families.

b) By reducing access to education and healthcare.

c) By promoting sustainable practices and family planning.

d) By encouraging urbanization and migration.

5. What is the definition of "deforestation"?

a) The process of clearing land for agricultural purposes

b) The removal of pollutants from the atmosphere

c) The melting of polar ice caps

d) The practice of sustainable forestry

6. What does the term "biodiversity" refer to?

a) The variety of different species in a specific habitat

b) The use of renewable energy sources

c) The depletion of ozone layer

d) The process of genetic modification

7. What does the word "sustainable" mean in the context of environmental conservation?

a) Harmful to the environment

b) Long-lasting and able to be maintained

c) Expensive and difficult to implement

d) Inefficient and resource-intensive

8. What do you mean by "ecosystem"?

a) A social system based on ecological principles

b) The study of animal behavior

c) A community of living organisms and their environment

d) The process of converting waste materials into reusable resources

Answer in one or two lines.

9.What is the main cause of deforestation?
10. What is the purpose of biodiversity conservation?