Unit 1 A
Explain what geography is.
Geography studies Earth’s physical features, like mountains and climates, and human activities, such as cultures and economies. It examines how people interact with and shape their environments and how environments influence societies.
Explain the main differences between continents & regions.
Continents are large landmasses defined by geography, like Africa or Asia. Regions are smaller areas within continents, defined by cultural, political, or physical characteristics, such as the Middle East or Southeast Asia.
Explain what urbanization is.
Urbanization is the process by which rural areas transform into urban ones, leading to increased population density in cities. It involves changes in land use, infrastructure, and social and economic dynamics.
Explain what industrialization is.
Industrialization is the transition from an agrarian economy to one focused on manufacturing, using machinery and technology. It leads to urban growth, increased production, and changes in labor, society, and economy.
Explain the significance of push factors & identify at least 4.
Push factors drive people to leave their home country, such as political instability, economic hardship, environmental disasters, and lack of opportunities. These factors force migration in search of safety and better conditions.
Explain the significance of pull factors & identify at least 4.
Pull factors attract people to a new area, such as better job opportunities, political stability, higher quality of life, and access to education. These factors encourage migration to more favorable conditions.
Explain the main differences between political & physical maps.
Political maps show boundaries, cities, and countries, focusing on human-made divisions. Physical maps highlight natural features like mountains, rivers, and terrain, emphasizing the Earth's geography rather than political borders.
Explain the main difference between relative & absolute location.
Absolute location provides an exact point using coordinates like latitude and longitude. Relative location describes a place's position in relation to other locations, such as "north of the river" or "near downtown."
Explain what gentrification is.
Gentrification is the process of renovating and improving urban areas, often leading to increased property values and displacement of lower-income residents, as wealthier individuals move into the area.
Explain the significance of residential land use.
Residential land use is significant because it designates areas for housing, supporting population growth and ensuring communities have adequate space for homes. It impacts urban planning, infrastructure development, and quality of life.
Explain the difference between visas & green cards.
Visas allow temporary entry into a country for specific purposes like tourism or work, while green cards grant permanent residency, allowing individuals to live and work indefinitely in that country.
Write down the formula for the natural rate of increase.
Birth rate minus death rate equals the natural rate of increase
Explain the main differences between longitude & latitude.
Longitude measures distances east or west of the Prime Meridian in vertical lines, while latitude measures distances north or south of the Equator in horizontal lines, forming Earth's geographic coordinate system.
Explain what climate graphs display & what they help us understand.
Climate graphs display temperature and precipitation data over time, typically by month. They help us understand weather patterns, seasonal variations, and climate trends in a specific location, aiding in climate analysis.
Explain the significance of mixed-use developments.
Mixed-use developments combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in one area, promoting convenience, reducing commuting, and fostering vibrant communities. They improve land use efficiency and support sustainable, walkable urban environments.
Explain the significance of agricultural land use.
Agricultural land use is significant because it supports food production, rural economies, and sustainable farming practices. It ensures the availability of crops and livestock, playing a crucial role in a nation's food security.
Explain the significance of carrying capacity.
Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population an environment can sustain based on available resources like food, water, and shelter. It helps determine sustainable growth and impacts environmental management.
Explain what the natural rate of increase measures.
The natural rate of increase measures the difference between the birth rate and death rate in a population. It indicates population growth, excluding factors like migration, and helps assess demographic trends.
Explain what a biome is.
A biome is a large, distinct ecological community characterized by specific climate conditions, plants, and animals. Examples include forests, deserts, and tundras, each adapted to their environment’s temperature and precipitation patterns.
Explain why humans created the system of longitude & latitude.
Humans created longitude and latitude to precisely locate positions on Earth, aiding navigation and mapmaking. This system allows for accurate identification of locations, helping explorers, travelers, and scientists.
Explain the significance of water infrastructure.
Water infrastructure is vital for supplying clean water, managing waste, and supporting irrigation. It ensures public health, sustains agriculture, and enables economic growth by providing essential resources to communities and industries.
Explain the significance of transportation infrastructure.
Transportation infrastructure is essential for enabling the movement of goods and people. It supports economic development, reduces travel time, improves access to services, and connects regions, enhancing overall mobility and efficiency.
Explain the significance of the information displayed on population pyramids.
Population pyramids display the age and gender distribution of a population, helping to identify trends such as birth rates, life expectancy, and potential social and economic challenges like aging populations or youth dependency.
Explain the significance of the information displayed on a demographic transition model.
A demographic transition model illustrates changes in birth and death rates over time as a country develops. It helps predict population growth, economic development, and societal changes during different stages of development.
Explain the difference between modifying an environment versus adapting to an environment.
Modifying an environment involves altering it to suit human needs, like building dams. Adapting means changing behavior or practices to fit the environment, such as wearing clothing suited for hot climates.
Explain the difference between the Prime Meridian & the Equator.
The Prime Meridian is an imaginary line running vertically from the North to South Pole, marking 0° longitude. The Equator is a horizontal line dividing the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres.
Explain the significance of downtowns/urban cores/central business districts of cities.
Downtowns, urban cores, and central business districts are key economic and cultural centers of cities. They host businesses, government offices, and cultural institutions, driving economic activity and defining a city’s identity.
Explain the significance of urban planning.
Urban planning is crucial for designing efficient, sustainable cities. It ensures organized growth, balancing infrastructure, housing, transportation, and green spaces, improving residents' quality of life while addressing environmental and economic needs.
Explain some factors that may lead to higher birth rates.
Higher birth rates can result from factors such as limited access to contraception, cultural or religious beliefs encouraging larger families, lower education levels, and higher infant mortality rates, especially in developing countries.
Explain some factors that may lead to lower death rates.
Lower death rates are often caused by improved healthcare, better sanitation, access to nutrition, advances in medicine, and higher living standards, leading to longer life expectancies and reduced mortality rates.
Explain the main reasons why storms form.
Storms form when warm, moist air rises and cools, causing condensation. This process creates varying air pressures, leading to wind, clouds, and precipitation, often intensified by geographic or atmospheric conditions.
How does latitude affect the climate of a given region?
Latitude affects climate by determining the angle and intensity of solar radiation received, influencing temperature and seasonal variations. Regions closer to the Equator generally experience warmer temperatures than those near the poles.
Explain the significance of zoning.
Zoning regulates land use within a city, designating areas for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. It helps ensure organized development, reduces conflicts, and maintains public health, safety, and welfare.
Tell someone close to you that you care about them!
Tell the driver of your vehicle to drive safe!
Explain the typical relationship between birth rates & how developed a country is.
In general, developed countries tend to have lower birth rates due to factors like access to healthcare, education, and career opportunities, while developing countries often have higher birth rates due to limited resources.
Explain the difference between immigration & emigration.
Immigration refers to moving into a new country to live, while emigration refers to leaving one's home country to settle in another.