Question

Find the odd man out:
Favourable factors affecting population distribution:
A) Nearness to sea
B) Lack of roads
C) Cultivable land
D) New cities and towns

Answer 1

Hint: In the given question, we have to identify the strange option out of the given options. The question is talking about the favourable factors affecting population distribution out of which the odd one has to be selected. This means that we have to select the unfavourable factor as our answer.

Complete answer:
Distribution of population refers to the number of people living in an area. It is also known as population density. There are many different factors that affect the population distribution. Some of them are given in the question and we have to find the odd one i.e. unfavourable factor affecting population distribution.

Let us evaluate the options:
Option A) Nearness to Sea – This option is incorrect as nearness to sea is a favourable factor. People shift to sea areas for its cool climate and being closer to nature. Facilities like hydro-electricity and fishing occupation are easily available hence people prefer to move towards the sea.
Option B) Lack of roads – This option is correct because lack of roads hampers the population density. There is major transport inconvenience due to which basic facilities might also not be available. There will be no industry growth and hence standard of living will be low. This mainly happens in village areas so people generally move towards city areas. Hence, it is an unfavourable factor affecting population density.
Option C) Cultivable land – This option is incorrect because if land is cultivable, farming occupation can prosper and easy availability of food will be there. Hence, it is a favourable factor affecting population distribution.
Option D) New cities and towns – This option is incorrect because new employment opportunities will be available and standard of living will be increased if new cities and towns develop. Hence, it is a favourable factor affecting population distribution.

Hence option ‘B’ is the correct answer. The odd one out among the favourable factors affecting population distribution is lack of roads.

Note: We have to read the question carefully and understand what is being asked. Here the words “odd” and “favourable” are used together as a negative phrase which has same meaning as “unfavourable”. Distribution of population is affected by major factors like Geography, Social, Cultural and Economical. Where the facilities are of higher quality and easily available, population density will also be high and vice-versa.