AP Human Geography Exam Review

A list of vocabulary flashcards to aid in reviewing key concepts for the AP Human Geography exam.

Geographers

Study the spatial relationships and patterns among and between places.

Spatial Perspective

A way of looking at the world that emphasizes the importance of space and location.

Environmental Determinism

The theory that the physical environment predisposes human social development.

Possibilism

The theory that the environment sets certain limits, but humans can adapt and choose different paths.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A computer system for capturing, storing, and analyzing geographic data.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model that describes the stages a country goes through as it develops economically.

Malthusian Theory

The theory that population growth will outpace food production, leading to widespread famine.

Centrifugal Forces

Forces that pull apart or divide a state or country.

Centripetal Forces

Forces that bring a country together and promote national unity.

Urbanization

The increasing population of people living in urban areas.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human activity and culture on the landscape.

Sustainable Development

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

Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth

A model that argues that economic growth occurs in five stages.

World System Theory

A theory that views the world as a complex system divided into core, periphery, and semi-periphery countries.

Push Factors

Negative aspects that drive people to leave their home country.

Pull Factors

Positive aspects that attract people to a new country.

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.

High-yield Seeds

Genetically engineered seeds that produce more crop output per acre.

Food Security

The condition in which all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns.

Gentrification

The process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.

Dependency Theory

Economic theory suggesting that resources flow from a periphery of poor and underdeveloped states to a core of wealthy states.