π Topic Summary
Population pyramids are graphical representations that show the distribution of a population by age and sex. They provide valuable insights into a country's demographic structure, including birth rates, death rates, life expectancy, and dependency ratios. By analyzing the shape of a population pyramid, geographers can infer a country's stage in the demographic transition model and predict future population trends. Understanding how to interpret these pyramids is crucial for the AP Human Geography exam. They're not just pretty pictures; they tell a story about a place's past, present, and future! π
π§ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Cohort |
a. The average number of children born to a woman during her reproductive years. |
| 2. Life Expectancy |
b. A group of people born around the same time. |
| 3. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) |
c. The number of males per 100 females in a population. |
| 4. Sex Ratio |
d. The average number of years a person is expected to live. |
| 5. Demographic Transition Model (DTM) |
e. A model that describes population change over time as countries develop. |
(Answers: 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c, 5-e)
βοΈ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
A population pyramid with a wide base and narrow top typically indicates a country with a high ________ rate and a low ________ expectancy. This shape is characteristic of countries in Stage ________ of the Demographic Transition Model. In contrast, a pyramid with a more rectangular shape suggests a ________ birth rate and a ________ life expectancy.
(Answers: birth, life, 2, low, high)
π€ Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how a country's stage in the Demographic Transition Model is reflected in its population pyramid, providing specific examples of pyramid shapes for different stages. Consider factors such as birth rates, death rates, and age structure.