Unit 1 Critical Concepts: Geography

Question 1

Absolute Location

Answer 1

the location of a place based on a fixed point on earth

Question 2

Relative Location

Answer 2

the location of a place based on a point on earth

Question 3

Latitude

Answer 3

the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth’s equator

Question 4

Longitude

Answer 4

the angular distance of a place east or west of the meridian

Question 5

Map Key

Answer 5

graphical device used to visually represent a real-world feature on a map

Question 6

Map Scale

Answer 6

To show how big something is

Question 7

Physical Map

Answer 7

two-dimensional format

Question 8

Political Map

Answer 8

shows legal, jurisdictional, political, or administrative boundaries.

Question 9

Thematic Map

Answer 9

portrays the geographic pattern of a particular subject

Question 10

Continents

Answer 10

several large geographical regions

Question 11

Isthmus

Answer 11

a narrow piece of land connecting two larger areas

Question 12

Plateau

Answer 12

a state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress.

Question 13

Archipelago

Answer 13

a group of islands.

Question 14

Harbor

Answer 14

a place on the coast where vessels may find shelter

Question 15

Bay

Answer 15

a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward.

Question 16

River

Answer 16

a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream.

Question 17

Ocean/Seas

Answer 17

a very large expanse of water

Question 18

Subsistence Farming

Answer 18

Subsistence agriculture occurs when farmers grow crops to meet the needs of themselves and their families

Question 19

Commercial Farming

Answer 19

the production of crops for sale and is designed to produce crops for widespread distribution

Question 20

Nomadic Herding

Answer 20

Nomadic pastoralism is a form of pastoralism in which livestock are herded in order to seek for fresh pastures

Question 21

Population Density

Answer 21

Population density is a measurement of population per unit land area

Question 22

Culture

Answer 22

the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.

Question 23

Cultural Diffusion

Answer 23

the spread of cultural items

Question 24

Ethnocentrism

Answer 24

evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one’s own culture.

Question 25

Social Class

Answer 25

a division of a society based on social and economic status.

Question 26

Customs/Traditions

Answer 26

A tradition is a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society

Question 27

Language

Answer 27

a system of communication used by a particular country or community.

Question 28

Religion

Answer 28

the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.

Question 29

Government

Answer 29

the governing body of a nation, state, or community.

Question 30

Economic Systems

Answer 30

distribution of goods and services within a society