Human Geography and Demographics

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary terms and concepts related to human geography, demographics, and the demographic transition model, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Human Geography

The study of the relationships between people and their environments, examining spatial distribution and patterns.

Pangea

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, bringing all of Earth's continents together.

Absolute Location

The exact location of a place, often expressed in latitude and longitude, critical for geographic analysis.

Climate Zones

Regions of the Earth characterized by specific weather patterns, temperature ranges, and precipitation levels.

Demographics

The statistical characteristics of populations, such as age, race, and income, essential for human geography study.

RNI (Rate of Natural Increase)

The rate at which a population grows, calculated by subtracting the number of deaths from the number of births.

DTM (Demographic Transition Model)

A model that describes the transformation of countries from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as they develop.

Population Pyramid

A graphical representation that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population, important for understanding demographics.

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another, influenced by various push and pull factors.

Push Factors

Negative conditions or circumstances that drive people to leave their home country or region.

Pull Factors

Positive conditions or opportunities that attract people to a new location.

Latitude

The distance north or south of the Equator, used in conjunction with longitude to determine absolute location.

Longitude

The distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, used for pinpointing locations on the Earth’s surface.

Cultural Regions

Areas defined by shared cultural traits, such as language, religion, customs, and historical backgrounds.

TFR (Total Fertility Rate)

The average number of children a woman would have during her lifetime based on current birth rates.

Doubling Time

The period it takes for a population to double in size, based on the rate of natural increase.

Stages of DTM

Four phases of demographic transition characterized by distinct birth and death rates, reflecting societal developments.

Malthusian Theory

An idea suggesting that population growth will outpace food production, leading to inevitable shortages.

Stage One of DTM

Characterized by high birth and death rates, with little population growth and limited technological development.

Stage Two of DTM

Features declining death rates due to medical advancements while birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth.

Stage Three of DTM

Marked by declining birth rates and low death rates, reflecting societal shifts toward urbanization and lower fertility rates.

Stage Four of DTM

Exhibits low birth and death rates, where the population stabilizes, often seen in developed countries.