AP Human Geography Ultimate Review Flashcards

Overview

The purpose of the guide is to provide a review of the seven units of AP Human Geography, focusing on important concepts for the AP exam or class final.

It's designed as a last-minute refresher to help students organize their studies and identify areas needing more review.

Unit 1: Introduction to Human Geography

Map Projections: Different projections distort certain features.
- Mercator Projection: Conformal map preserving shape and direction but distorting area, making Greenland appear as large as Africa (actual size difference: Africa is 14 times larger).
Types of Maps:
  - Reference Maps: Show general features (boundaries, place names, physical features).
    - Example: Topographic maps.
  - Thematic Maps: Show specific data and spatial patterns (students should practice breaking down these maps).
Data Types:
- Qualitative Data: Descriptive, subjective, includes interviews and observations.
- Quantitative Data: Numerical, objective, includes census data and statistics.
Geospatial Technologies:
  - GIS (Geographic Information System): Layers data on maps for analysis.
  - Remote Sensing: Collects data from satellites or aircraft without contact.
  - GPS (Global Positioning System): Determines exact locations.
Map Scale:
- Small Scale: Shows large areas with less detail.
- Large Scale: Shows small areas with greater detail.
Human-Environment Interaction:
- Environmental Determinism: Physical environment limits human action.
- Possibilism: Environment sets limits, but humans can adapt.
Regions:
  - Formal Regions: Defined by economic, political, social characteristics.
  - Functional Regions: Organized around a node (e.g., metropolitan areas).
  - Perceptual Regions: Defined by people’s opinions and feelings about an area.

Unit 2: Population and Migration

Population Distribution vs. Population Density:
- Population Distribution: Spread of people across an area.
- Population Density: Number of people in a specified area.
Density Types:
  - Arithmetic Density: Total population divided by total land area.
  - Physiological Density: Total population divided by arable land—indicates food security challenges.
  - Agricultural Density: Number of farmers divided by arable land—indicates farming efficiency.
Population Pyramids:
- Examine age and sex structures.
- Groups: Pre-reproductive (0-14), reproductive (15-44), post-reproductive (45+).
Demographic Transition Model (DTM):
  - Stage 1: High birth & death rates—slow growth.
  - Stage 2: Declining death rates, high birth rates—rapid growth.
  - Stage 3: Declining birth rates—urbanization and fewer children.
  - Stage 4: Low birth & death rates—stabilized population.
  - Stage 5: Birth rates below replacement level—population decline.
Women’s Role: Access to education and healthcare lowers fertility rates.
Epidemiological Transition Model: Explains shifts in death causes as societies develop.
Migration Terms:
  - Push Factors: Reasons for leaving an area.
  - Pull Factors: Reasons for moving to an area.
  - Internal Migration: Moving within a country.
  - International Migration: Moving to a different country.

Unit 3: Culture

Elements of Culture:
- Material Culture: Physical objects significant to society.
- Non-material Culture: Intangible elements like beliefs and customs.
Folk vs. Popular Culture:
- Folk Culture: Localized, passed by tradition.
- Popular Culture: Global, mass produced, dynamic.
Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism:
- Ethnocentrism: Viewing another culture through one’s own cultural lens.
- Cultural Relativism: Evaluating cultures by their values and standards.
Cultural Landscape: Human modifications to the environment.
Centrifugal vs. Centripetal Forces:
- Centrifugal Forces: Divide (e.g., language, religion).
- Centripetal Forces: Unite (e.g., shared history).
Diffusion:
  - Relocation Diffusion: Physical movement.
  - Expansion Diffusion: Spreading through interaction.
  - Types of Expansion Diffusion:
    - Contagious: Rapid spread.
    - Hierarchical: Spread through power structure.
    - Stimulus: Adaptation of ideas to new cultures.

Unit 4: Political Geography

State vs. Nation:
- State: Defined territory, government, recognized sovereignty.
- Nation: Group of people with shared culture.
Political Entities:
  - Nation-State: One nation within one state.
  - Multinational State: Multiple nations within one state.
  - Multistate Nation: One nation across multiple states.
  - Stateless Nation: A nation without a state.
Colonialism vs. Imperialism:
- Colonialism: Acquiring and settling territories.
- Imperialism: Expanding influence without settling.
Territoriality: Control over a specific geographic area.
Types of Boundaries:
  - Subsequent vs. Consequent Boundaries:
    - Subsequent: Created according to cultural landscapes.
    - Consequent: Established after settlement.
  - Territorial Waters: Extend 12 nautical miles; states control legally.
  - Contiguous Zone: Extend from 12-24 nautical miles; enforce laws against pollution.
  - EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone): Up to 200 nautical miles; states have rights to resources.

Unit 5: Agriculture

Types of Agriculture:
- Intensive: High labor and Capital, usually near urban areas (e.g., market gardening).
- Extensive: Requires large land, lower labor (e.g., ranching).
Agricultural Hearths: Places where crops and animals were first domesticated, spread through the Columbian Exchange.
Agricultural Revolutions:
  - First Agricultural Revolution: Shift from hunting-gathering to farming.
  - Second Agricultural Revolution: Industrialization of agriculture.
  - Green Revolution: High yield crops and technological innovations.
Spatial Organization:
- Bid Rent Theory: Land value decreases as distance from city increases.
- Von Thunen's Model: Shows spatial distribution of agricultural activities based on distance from markets.

Unit 6: Urban Geography

Site and Situation: Influences location and growth of cities.
Urban Hierarchy:
  - World Cities: Global economic centers (e.g., New York, Tokyo).
  - Megacities: Over 10 million population; often in periphery countries.
  - Primate City: Dominates the country with more than double the population of the next city.
Gravity Model: Predicts interactions based on population and distance.
Central Place Theory: Explains spatial distribution based on range and threshold of services.
Urban Development Models:
- Concentric Zone Model, Sector Model, Multiple Nuclei Model: Analyze urban land use.
Urban Challenges:
- Issues include poverty, segregation, urban sprawl.
Responses to Challenges:
- Urban renewal, smart growth policies, and sustainable development strategies.

Unit 7: Economic Geography

Industrial Revolution: Transition to economies based on manufacturing, urbanization increase.
Economic Sectors:
  - Primary: Extracting resources.
  - Secondary: Manufacturing.
  - Tertiary: Providing services.
Theories of Economic Development:
  - Rostow's Stages of Economic Growth: Linear model of economic development.
  - Dependency Theory: Poor countries are exploited by wealthy nations.
  - World Systems Theory: Global economy divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery.
Trade and Globalization:
- Comparative Advantage: Efficiency in producing specific goods.
- Neoliberalism: Encourages free trade, reduces barriers.
Multiplier Effect: One economic activity triggers growth in surrounding areas.
Sustainable Development: Meeting today's needs without compromising future generations. Understanding United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ecotourism.

Conclusion

Review concepts thoroughly and practice using tests and quizzes.
Use provided resources (ultimate review packet and exam slayer) for stronger comprehension and preparation for the AP human geography exam.
Take breaks and maintain a positive mindset as you study.