Geography Unit One Flash Cards

7 Types of Maps

Climate, Economic/Resource, Physical, Political, Topographic, Population Density, Road

5 Parts of a Map

Title, Grid, Scale, Directions, Legend/Key

Map Key (Legend)

Tells you what different symbols on a map represent.

Map Scale

Tells you the relationship between distance on a map and actual distance on Earth (e.g., 1 inch = 1 mile).

Map Title

Tells you what the map is about.

Use of Latitude and Longitude Lines

Used together to find absolute location on Earth.

Relative Location

Describes a place's location relative to a reference point (landmarks, time, direction, or distance). Example: Plainfield South is south of the Gas N Wash.

Absolute Location

A specific, exact point on Earth's surface defined by an address or coordinates. Example: 7800 W. Caton Farm Rd.

Direction of Latitude Lines

Run horizontally, parallel to the equator (East to West).

Direction of Longitude Lines

Run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole.

Equator

An imaginary line of latitude at 0° that divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Line of Latitude

Lines running parallel to the Equator that measure distance north or south of the Equator.

Line of Longitude

Lines running between the North and South Poles that measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Prime Meridian

An imaginary line of longitude at 0° that divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Degrees of Latitude North/South of Equator

90 degrees North and 90 degrees South.

5 Themes of Geography

Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, Region.

Possibilism

The theory that the physical environment sets limits, but people have the ability to adjust and modify the environment to suit their needs.

Environmental Determinism

The belief that the physical environment strictly dictates and determines human behavior and societal development.

Golf Course in a Desert Example

Possibilism, because people modify the dry desert environment to build something that would not naturally exist there.

3 Types of Regions

1. 
   

• Formal: Everyone shares one or more distinct characteristics (e.g., states on a political party map).

• Functional: Organized around a central node or focal point (e.g., radio station coverage area).

• Vernacular (Perceptual): Defined by people's cultural identity and perceptions (e.g., the American Midwest).

Globalization

The process by which ideas, products, or culture spread rapidly across the entire world.

Local Diversity

The unique cultural characteristics of a specific place, requiring businesses to adapt their products to fit local customs and preferences.

McDonald's in India Example

An example of adapting to local diversity—because many people in India abstain from beef for religious/cultural reasons, McDonald's modifies its menu to offer vegetarian options like the Vegetarian Big Mac.

Overpopulation

A condition where the number of people exceeds the available resources in an area to sustain them comfortably.

Doubling Time

The number of years needed to double a population, given a constant rate of natural increase.

Dependency Ratio

The ratio of people who are too young (under 15) or too old (over 65) to work compared to the working-age population.

Arithmetic Density

The total number of people divided by the total land area (population density).

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

The average number of children a woman will have throughout her childbearing years.

Factors Influencing High Total Fertility Rate

Lack of educational opportunities for women, limited access to birth control/family planning, and cultural traditions favoring larger families.

Stage 2 Population Pyramid

High Growth: Wide base indicating a high birth rate, tapering rapidly toward the top due to high death rates.

Stage 3 Population Pyramid

Moderate Growth: Base begins to narrow as birth rates drop, forming a more balanced pyramid structure.

Stage 4 Population Pyramid

Low Growth (Stationary): Column-shaped structure with nearly equal proportions across age groups, reflecting low birth and death rates.

Stage 5 Population Pyramid

Negative Growth (Declining): Narrow base that is smaller than the middle, showing birth rates falling below death rates.