Population Composition (College Board AP® Human Geography): Flashcards
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Define population composition.
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Cards in this collection (15)
Define population composition.
Population composition refers to the characteristics of a given population group, such as age and sex ratio.
Define age–sex ratio.
The age–sex ratio compares the numbers of males and females of different ages.
Define population pyramid.
A population pyramid is a graph of the population of an area by age and sex.
Define population cohort.
A population cohort is each age–sex group shown on a population pyramid.
Define dependency ratio.
The dependency ratio refers to the percentage of people in a population who are either too old or too young to work and are supported by others.
How are age and sex groups arranged on a population pyramid?
A population pyramid normally shows the percentage of the population in five-year age groups, with the youngest at the base, men on the left and women on the right.
What does a population pyramid with a wide base show?
A pyramid with a wide base shows a rapidly growing country with a large portion of young people.
What does a more rectangular population pyramid depict?
A more rectangular pyramid depicts a country with a relatively even number of age cohorts and a steady population.
What does a population pyramid resembling an inverted triangle reflect?
An inverted-triangle pyramid reflects a country with an aging population and fewer young people.
What does over-representation in the economically active age groups, especially among men, usually indicate?
Over-representation in the economically active age groups, especially among men, usually represents a location with large numbers of guest workers.
What may cohorts that vary widely by sex indicate?
Cohorts that vary widely by sex may indicate a location near a military base, where males in the military-age cohorts are over-represented.
True or False?
Population pyramids are usually symmetrical left to right, except at the oldest ages.
True.
Pyramids are often symmetrical except at the oldest ages, as women tend to have longer life expectancies than men.
How can age and sex ratios influence public policy?
An area with a very young population will likely invest in schools and children's services, while an area with an older population might focus on health care and transportation for seniors.
The economically active age groups are in the vertical of the population pyramid, with the young and old dependent populations at either end.
The economically active age groups are in the vertical center of the population pyramid, with the young and old dependent populations at either end.
Besides military bases and guest workers, what two anomalies can a population pyramid reveal?
A population pyramid can reveal a retirement community (large numbers of older cohorts) and a college or university town (large numbers for ages 18–25).
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