Intro to World Geo/North America
A map that shows population density would be considered what type of map?
special-purpose or thematic map
This rainforest in South America suffers from resource extraction industries such as logging, ranching, and mining. However, satellite technology is able to track deforestation in real time to respond more quickly. It is also the largest rainforest in the world.
Why is Sub-Saharan Africa typically observed separately from North Africa?
North Africa is more similar to the Middle East due to historical trade networks and cultural influences.
Why does North Asia (Siberia) have such a low population density
Extreme cold/permafrost/harsh climate
What two resources lead to cooperation and conflict in MENA?
Explain the difference between a physical and a political map.
A political map shows man-made borders of countries/states/provinces, while physical borders show natural features such as elevation.
What physical feature (prominent in Central America/Caribbean) brings major economic opportunities due to fertile soil, but also risk due to natural disaster?
Volcanoes
What is a major challenge for the city of Cairo (Egypt)?
Rapid population growth that is leading to overcrowding, pollution, and resource deficits.
Which combination best describes the physical geography of South Asia compared to Central Asia?
a. South Asia is dominated by deserts and arid climates, while Central Asia is shaped by tropical rainforests
b. South Asia contains fertile river valleys and monsoon climates, while Central Asia is dry and landlocked
c. South Asia is mostly mountainous, while Central Asia contains wide coastal plains
d. South Asia has extensive permafrost, while Central Asia has tropical coastlines
b. South Asia contains fertile river valleys and monsoon climates, while Central Asia is dry and landlocked
What does HDI stand for, and what does it mean for a country if it's high?
Human Development Index
It means they show strong development indicators (such as education, health, equality, etc.)
Explain the main problem with the Mercator projection.
The Mercator projection stretches landmass near the poles, causing high latitude or low latitude regions to appear much larger than the are
The “Green Paradox” describes a major challenge linked to lithium mining in South America. Which situation BEST illustrates this paradox?
a. Mining lithium increases global demand for renewable technology while also causing environmental damage to fragile salt-flat ecosystems
b. Mining lithium reduces fossil fuel use but shifts environmental costs to extraction region.
c. Mining lithium benefits global industries while creating mixed economic outcomes for local communities
d. Mining lithium supports local communities through economic opportunities, but makes renewable energy unaffordable for most people
a. Mining lithium increases global demand for renewable technology while also causing environmental damage to fragile salt-flat ecosystems
Explain why the Fertile Crescent became one of the earliest centers of civilization in MENA.
Its river systems supplied fertile soil and transport routes that supported early farming
Why has Britain historically developed differently from mainland Europe?
The English Channel once made travel difficult, so it developed independently from other regions
North European Plain
A researcher wants to study how climate patterns differ between two cities that are the same distance north of the Equator but located in different hemispheres. What feature makes this comparison possible?
a. The equator divides the map into time zones that determine sunlight hours.
b. Lines of latitude run parallel and measure distance north or south consistently worldwide.
c. Lines of longitude ensure both cities have identical seasonal patterns.
d. The Prime Meridian provides a reference point for comparing precipitation levels.
b. Lines of latitude run parallel and measure distance north or south consistently worldwide.
Blended cultures (language, religion, racial makeup, architecture, etc.)
Britain's colonial policies in Ghana of cocoa monoculture still affect the area today. What impact has that had on Ghana's economy today?
Ghana remains reliant on a single export crop, which affects their economic stability.
Due to India's rapid population growth and young workforce, there is a shortage of what in many urban areas?
Jobs
What region of Asia is most shaped by island geography, heavy rainfall, and active volcanoes?
Southeast Asia
What trade agreement in North America benefits the auto manufacturing industry due to allowing parts to be transported quickly and cheaply across borders?
USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)
Explain what happened in Venezuela and use the word "resource curse" somewhere in your answer.
Venezuela depended on large oil exports for many years. When global oil prices fell, they became victims of the resource curse. This means they put all their efforts into one resource and suffered from the sudden change in it. Venezuela has been affected by hyperinflation, mass migration, and declining oil production.
How has Apartheid in South Africa continued to shape inequality and economic conditions in South America today?
It concentrated benefits in white-designated urban areas, leaving many formerly segregated regions with limited economic opportunity today
What is ASEAN, and how has it impacted Southeast Asia?
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Coordinates infrastructure and investment projects, attracting foreign companies.
Incomes have risen, esp. in Vietnam/Malaysia
Huge growth in urban areas, new factories, infrastructure projects
Region has a growing middle class
Many governments invest in education and tech
Rapid growth = uneven benefits
The reason why many companies are attracted to Southeast Asia is the low wages, keeps workers in poverty
Unsafe working conditions in some Southeast Asian Countries
Name all 8 of our regional units we've done this year IN ORDER
1. North America
2. Central America/Caribbean
3. South America
4. MENA
5. Sub-Saharan Africa
6. Asia
7. Europe
8. Oceania