Question

The study of population is called ___
A.Cartography
B.Anthropology
C.demography
D.biography

Answer 1

Hint: Studying population helps to understand population’s size, and what causes the growth through social and economic grounds. The number of people, their distribution, growth and characteristics are very significant aspects which need to be studied for collective welfare.

Complete answer:
The word ‘Demography’ is a combination of two Greek words, ‘Demos’ (people) and ‘Graphy’ (science), making it the science of people. In the middle of the nineteenth century (1855), the word ‘Demography’ was first used by a French writer Achille Guillard. As a subject, it is quite old.
Demography is the study of human populations and their size, composition and distribution across geographical terrains. It is the process through which populations change. Births, deaths and migration are the ‘big three’ of demography which can jointly produce population stability or change.
According to Hauser and Duncan, ‘Demography is the study of size, territorial distribution and composition of population, changes therein, and the components of such changes, which may be identified as natality, mortality, territorial movement (migration), and social mobility (change of status).’
This extends the scope of demography to census which developed during the nineteenth century. They enumerate the population based on the defined geographical area. These censuses are also very crucial in India. They aid in developing numerous welfare social and economic policies. Calculation of rates, ratios, and proportions represent the basic way for understanding the population size.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note:The 2011 Census of India is considered to be the most reliable source. It provides crucial information for planning and formulating policies for Central and the State Governments. It is hugely used by National, International Agencies etc.