Unit 1 key terms

Question 1

Physical Geography

Answer 1

study of natural processes and distribution of features in environment, ex: landforms, plants, animals, and climate

Question 2

Human Geography

Answer 2

study of events and processes that have shaped how humans understand, use and alter Earth.

Question 3

Spatial Perspective

Answer 3

where something occurs

Question 4

Ecological perspective

Answer 4

relationship between living things and their environment

Question 5

Location

Answer 5

position that a point occupies the earth.

Question 6

2 types of location

Answer 6

Absolute and relative

Question 7

Absolute location

Answer 7

Exact location. Expressed in coordinates and latitude and longitude.

Question 8

Relative location

Answer 8

description in relation to other places or features

Question 9

Place

Answer 9

location on Earth that is distinguished by physical and human characteristics.

Question 10

Site

Answer 10

absolute location as well as physical characteristics.

Question 11

Situation

Answer 11

a place’s location in relation to other places or its surrounding features.

Question 12

Space

Answer 12

area between 2 or more things on Earth’s surface

Question 13

Distributed

Answer 13

arranged within a given space.

Question 14

Density

Answer 14

number of people, animals or objects in an area.

Question 15

Pattern

Answer 15

how things are arranged in a particular space.

Question 16

Environmental Determinism

Answer 16

human behavior is controlled by physical environment. A region’s climate and soil fertility dictate how a society develops and adapts.

Question 17

Possibilism

Answer 17

Humans can alter the environment based on their needs and/or adapt to it.

Question 18

Sustainability

Answer 18

use of resources in a way that they won’t deplete.

Question 19

Scale

Answer 19

area of the world being studied

Question 20

Region

Answer 20

area with certain characteristics that make it different.

Question 21

Formal Region

Answer 21

area that has one or more shared traits. (physical, climate, cultural or combination) Has defined boundaries

Question 22

Functional Region

Answer 22

area organized by its focal point or center (node).

Question 23

Perceptual Region/Vernacular Region

Answer 23

reflects people’s feelings and attitudes about a place.

Question 24

Globalization

Answer 24

expansion of economic, cultural, and political processes worldwide

Question 25

World System Theory

Answer 25

explain history of uneven economic development among countries, and why certain regions held onto political and economic power over time.

Question 26

Core countries

Answer 26

wealthier countries with higher education rates and advanced technology.

Question 27

Periphery countries

Answer 27

low wealth countries with low education levels and less advanced technology.

Question 28

Semi-periphery countries

Answer 28

both core and periphery qualities. In the process of industrializing.

Question 29

Sustainable development

Answer 29

meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.