2A1 - Geographical Terms

Question 1

What is the definition of geography?

Answer 1

The study of the physical features of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, including how humans affect them and the ways they affect humans.

Question 2

What are the six essential elements of geography?

Answer 2

1. The World in Spatial Terms
2. Places and Regions
3. Physical Systems
4. Human Systems
5. Environment and Society
6. Uses of Geography

Question 3

What does spatial terms refer to?

Answer 3

How the world is organized and how this organization affects those who live on Earth.

Question 4

What is relative location?

Answer 4

A location in reference to another place.

Question 5

What is absolute location?

Answer 5

An exact location.

Question 6

What are latitude and longitude used for?

Answer 6

Providing an absolute location.

Latitude is the distance either north or south of the equator.
Longitude is the distance east or west of the prime meridian.

Question 7

What are some characteristics included in places and regions?

Answer 7

• Climate
• Cultural norms
• Languages spoken
• Important landmarks

Question 8

What do physical systems include?

Answer 8

The study of physical processes that shape Earth’s landscape.

Question 9

What are some examples of physical systems?

Answer 9

• Volcanic eruptions
• Earthquakes
• Hurricanes
• Glaciers

Glaciers play a critical role in shaping landscape through erosion, the removal of rock.

Question 10

What does human systems study?

Answer 10

Human interactions with the Earth and how these interactions change the landscape.

Question 11

What are some aspects of human systems?

Answer 11

• Influence on natural resources and food production.
• Spread of disease.
• Economic development through landscape changes.

Question 12

What does environment and society analyze?

Answer 12

The relationship between human activities and the environment.

Question 13

What is an example of the relationship between environment and society?

Answer 13

Burning fossil fuels increases air pollution, causing health problems in humans.

Question 14

What does the uses of geography category include?

Answer 14

Applying geographical information to everyday situations and problems.

Question 15

Why is studying the uses of geography important?

Answer 15

To make future decisions that impact the Earth based on past geographical information.

For example, preventing negative impacts like deforestation for industrialization.

Question 16

What are spatial terms in human geography?

Answer 16

Relative and absolute location.

Relative location is in reference to another place, while absolute location is an exact location.

Question 17

Who studies geography?

Answer 17

Geographers.

Question 18

What is erosion in the context of geography?

Answer 18

The removal of rock by natural phenomena like glaciers.

Question 19

What is the Mappa Mundi?

Answer 19

A 13th-century world map designed by British cartographers that offers insight into how Englishmen in the Middle Ages viewed the world.

Question 20

What regions does North America consist of?

Answer 20

• Canada
• United States
• Mexico

Question 21

What countries are part of South America?

Answer 21

• Colombia
• Peru
• Ecuador
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• Uruguay
• Paraguay
• Bolivia
• Suriname
• Guyana

Question 22

What is the main division between different African regions?

Answer 22

The Sahara Desert

Question 23

What is the reason behind Western Europe having mostly subtropical and Mediterranean climates?

Answer 23

Lack of broad land masses allows air currents to roam over the Atlantic Ocean, moderating temperatures.

Question 24

What separates Western and Eastern Europe?

Answer 24

• Physical barriers such as the Black Sea.
• Cultural barriers from land divisions during the Cold War.

Question 25

What geographical regions are included in Western Asia?

Answer 25

Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq with mostly dry climates.

Question 26

What are the main climate types found in East Asia?

Answer 26

Continental and subtropical climates.

Question 27

What regions are included in Oceania?

Answer 27

• Polynesia
• Micronesia
• Melanesia
• Australasia

Question 28

What are the challenges with assigning formal regions on a map of the world?

Answer 28

• Missing significant differences between physical territories and human cultures.
• Development of human biases against certain climates, cultures, or human systems.
• Regions do not permit a flexible understanding of both human and physical geography.

Question 29

What are the seven continents that make up the seven main worldwide regions?

Answer 29

• North America
• South America
• Eurasia
• Africa
• Australia
• Oceania
• Antarctica

Question 30

What is a continent?

Answer 30

A large landmass made up of different countries.

Question 31

What are push factors?

Answer 31

Conditions that drive people away from a particular area.

These can include economic hardships, political instability, natural disasters, and lack of opportunities.

Question 32

What are pull factors?

Answer 32

Conditions that attract people to a new area.

These can include job opportunities, better living conditions, political stability, and desirable climate.

Question 33

What does place mean in geography?

Answer 33

Refers to the physical and human characteristics that uniquely define a location and give it meaning to people.

This includes the landscape, culture, activities, and personal connections or experiences.

Question 34

How does location connect to geography?

Answer 34

Refers to the specific position of a point or area on the Earth’s surface.

This can be described in absolute terms (latitude and longitude) or relative terms (in relation to other places).

Question 35

What are population pyramids?

Answer 35

Graphical representations that show the age and gender distribution of a population.

Question 36

Why are population pyramids important to understand?

Answer 36

They help demographers understand population trends, such as birth rates, death rates, and life expectancy.

Question 37

What is the difference between functional and formal region?

Answer 37

• Functional Regions: Areas organized around a central hub or focal point, defined by a set of social, economic, or political activities or interactions.
• Formal Regions: Areas defined by official boundaries or homogeneous characteristics.