NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 1 Human Geography Nature and Scope

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

i) Which one of the following statements does not describe geography?

• (a) an integrative discipline
• (b) study of the inter-relationship between humans and environment
• (c) subjected to dualism
• (d) not relevant in the present time due to the development of technology.

Answer: (d) not relevant in the present time due to the development of technology.

ii) Which one of the following is not a source of geographical information?

• (a) traveller’s accounts
• (b) old maps
• (c) samples of rock materials from the moon
• (d) ancient epics

Answer: (c) samples of rock materials from the moon.

iii) Which one of the following is the most important factor in the interaction between people and environment?

• (a) human intelligence
• (b) people’s perception
• (c) technology
• (d) human brotherhood

Answer: (c) technology.

iv) Which one of the following is not an approach in human geography?

• (a) Areal differentiation
• (b) Spatial organisation
• (c) Quantitative revolution
• (d) Exploration and description

Answer: (c) Quantitative revolution.

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

i) Define human geography.

Answer: Human geography is the branch of geography which studies the relationship between the physical/natural and human worlds, the spatial distribution of human phenomena and how they come about, as well as the social and economic differences between different parts of the world.

ii) Name some sub-fields of human geography.

Answer: Some sub-fields of human geography include social geography, urban geography, political geography, population geography, settlement geography, economic geography, historical geography, medical geography, and behavioural geography.

iii) How is human geography related to other social sciences?

Answer: Human geography is inter-disciplinary and develops close interfaces with other social sciences such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and demography to understand and explain human activities and elements on Earth's surface.

3. Answer the following questions in not more than 150 words.

i) Explain naturalisation of humans.

Answer: Naturalisation of humans refers to the process where, in the early stages of their interaction with the environment, human beings were greatly influenced by nature. With low levels of technological development and primitive social conditions, humans adapted to the dictates of nature. This type of interaction, often seen in primitive or tribal societies, is termed environmental determinism.

Here, nature is seen as a powerful force, worshipped, revered, and conserved. Human actions are guided by nature, for example, dependence on edible plants, worship of trees or natural forces, and the use of primitive tools for hunting. As people gain knowledge and advance technologically, they begin to move away from complete dependence on nature, creating opportunities and modifying the environment according to their needs.

ii) Write a note on the scope of human geography.

Answer: The scope of human geography is vast as it covers the study of the spatial distribution and interrelationships of human phenomena—the presence, patterns, and relationships between humans and their environment. Human geography is not just about the location of human activities but also explores how people interact with the physical world, and the resulting social and economic differences.

It incorporates both physical and man-made elements, examining how humans utilize natural resources, create settlements, and shape landscapes. The discipline is continuous and adaptive, responding to technological, social, and economic changes, and remains important in addressing global issues like sustainability, urbanization, and cultural integration. With its multi-disciplinary nature, human geography connects with various fields of social science to provide a holistic understanding of human existence on earth.

Mastering Human Geography: Nature and Scope

Grasping the nature and scope of human geography is crucial for Class 12 success. Focus on understanding how humans interact with their environment, utilizing NCERT Solutions 2025-26 to strengthen conceptual clarity.

This chapter highlights key concepts like environmental determinism, possibilism, and the interdisciplinary links of geography. Reviewing important definitions and examples helps you excel in board exams and builds a solid foundation for higher studies.

Regular practice of exercise questions and focusing on field and sub-fields of human geography ensures a comprehensive grip on the subject. Use exam-oriented strategies to revise efficiently and boost your performance in Geography assessments.