Population dynamics: past paper questions
Real questions on population dynamics
The newest 20 of 46 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(i)[1]
How is population growth calculated? Put the words from the box into the correct places in the formula. birth rate death rate emigration immigration Population growth = natural increase ( minus ) +/– (i)
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(ii)[2]
Using Fig. 1.1 only, state two differences between the population growth rates in Africa and South America. Do not use statistics.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(iii)[3]
Put the following countries in rank order of their population growth rates. China Mexico Niger Spain high
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(iv)[4]
The population is declining in some countries. Explain two problems which may be caused by population decline.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1b(i)[3]
Suggest three different problems which the people living in the area shown in Fig. 1.2 may experience as a result of high rates of population growth.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1b(ii)[5]
Explain how a government may attempt to reduce population growth.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2024 · Q2d[1]
Suggest one reason for the relatively low number of people aged 20–24 in South Africa.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(i)[1]
Define over-population.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(ii)[2]
Using Fig. 1.1 only, identify two problems which over-population was causing for people living in China in the 1970s.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(iv)[4]
Suggest why the government of China was concerned about the following impacts of under-population: fewer people were paying taxes fewer people were available to join the armed forces fewer people were growing food fewer people were making things to sell.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2024 · Q1b(i)[3]
Describe the distribution of countries where deaths were higher than births before 2024.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2024 · Q1b(ii)[5]
Explain how birth rates are being reduced in many LEDCs.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2023 · Q1a(i)[1]
What was the death rate in Germany in 1950? per 1000
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2023 · Q1a(ii)[2]
What evidence in Fig. 1.1 suggests that: – there was a decrease in the natural population growth rate in Germany between 1965 and 1970? – natural population decline occurred in Germany between 1990 and 2000?
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2023 · Q1a(iii)[3]
Calculate the natural population growth rate in Germany in 1960. You should show your calculations in the box below. per 1000
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2023 · Q1a(iv)[4]
Explain why birth rates are low in MEDCs such as Germany.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · October/November 2022 · Q1b(ii)[5]
Explain why the percentage of young dependents in an LEDC is likely to be larger than that of Japan.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2022 · Q2a(i)[2]
Using Fig. 2.1, put the following countries in rank order from highest to lowest to show their rates of population change. Brazil China Ethiopia Madagascar highest lowest
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2022 · Q2a(ii)[3]
Using Fig. 2.1, compare the rates of population change in Africa and North America. Do not use statistics in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2022 · Q2b[3]
Fig. 2.2 shows information about Madagascar’s population. Using Fig. 2.2 only, explain why Madagascar’s population growth rate is high. 1985 1995 2005 2015 birth rate per 1000 44.6 43.7 37.9 33.4 death rate per 1000 16.1 12.7 8.5 6.5 life expectancy (years) 49.6 54.6 61.2 65.6 infant mortality (per 1000 live births) 10...
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates were able to accurately place the words provided into the formula. A minority put immigration and emigration the wrong way round, and even fewer put death and birth rates the wrong way round.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0976/12 Q1(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Candidates generally performed well on this question, with the majority accurately describing at least one difference between population growth rates in Africa and South America, typically that in general they are higher in Africa. Although the question clearly stated that statistics are not to be used, a significant number of candidates did. Some even referred to colours on the map, although in m...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0976/12 Q1(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Most candidates demonstrated their confidence in using the map provided, with the majority completing the ranking correctly. Incorrect responses usually reversed China and Spain.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0976/12 Q1(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
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