12 Questions
What is the most crucial physical factor influencing patterns of population distribution and settlement in Ethiopia?
Altitude
How does rainfall change with increasing altitude in Ethiopia?
Rainfall increases with increasing altitude
What is the relationship between altitude, temperature, and vegetation cover in Ethiopia?
Higher altitudes have lower temperatures and poorer vegetation cover
What is a key reason for the sparse population distribution in the lowland areas of Ethiopia?
Tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever
Why are the valleys of the major rivers in Ethiopia also characterized by sparse population concentration?
The valleys have a high prevalence of tropical diseases
Which of the following physical factors is NOT mentioned in the text as influencing population distribution in Ethiopia?
Proximity to major cities
What is the main exception to the overall pattern of population distribution in Ethiopia?
The Awash River Valley
What is a key factor that contributes to the sparse population distribution in the lowland areas of Ethiopia?
Tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever
How does the carrying capacity of land influence population distribution in Ethiopia?
Areas with higher carrying capacity have higher population densities
What is the relationship between the types of crops cultivated and population density in the crop-farming highland areas of Ethiopia?
Areas with cereals have lower population densities
What is the typical land requirement for grazing per head of cattle in the pastoralist areas of Ethiopia?
20 hectares or more
How does the man-land ratio differ between the crop-farming highland areas and the pastoralist lowland areas of Ethiopia?
The man-land ratio is higher in the crop-farming highlands
Study Notes
Physical Factors Affecting Population Distribution
- Climate is a significant physical factor, with rainfall and temperature varying with altitude
- Soil fertility is affected by altitude, with highlands having better soils and vegetation cover
- Natural water supply, relief (slope and altitude), and vegetation cover are other physical factors influencing population distribution
- Altitude is the most crucial physical factor, with studies showing that rainfall increases and temperature decreases with an increase in altitude
- Lowlands are characterized by low rainfall, high temperature, poor vegetation, and soil conditions, leading to sparse population distribution
- Tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever are prevalent in lowlands, further contributing to sparse population distribution
- The Awash River Valley is an exception, with irrigation agriculture and a higher population concentration
Human Factors Affecting Population Distribution
- Types of economic activity, such as pastoralism and crop farming, influence the carrying capacity of an area and population distribution
- Historical patterns of population movement also play a role in shaping population distribution
- Pastoralist areas in arid and semi-arid lowlands have low population densities due to large land requirements for grazing
- Crop-farming areas in highlands have higher carrying capacities and population densities
- The type of crops cultivated influences population density, with areas cultivating cereals having lower yields per unit area and lower population densities
Explore the physical and human factors that influence the distribution of population in Ethiopia. Learn about the significance of climate, soil fertility, water supply, relief, and vegetation cover in shaping population patterns.
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