Q. Consider the following :

1. Steep slopes of the mountains
2. Desert areas
3. River valleys
4. Thick forested areas

Which of the above areas are sparsely populated?
Answer: Only 1, 2, and 4
Notes: The uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world is mainly due to varied characteristics of land and climate. The rugged topography, steep slopes of the mountains, low-lying areas susceptible to water logging, desert areas, thick forested areas are normally sparsely populated or uninhabited. Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture. Hence, these are the densely populated areas of the world.