AP Human Geography › Major Geographical Terminology
What is the definition of Physical Geography?
geography dealing with natural features and earth's natural processes
geography dealing with human nature and social construct
geography dealing with mountains
geography dealing with weather and climate, but not geology
geography of geology
Physical Geography is one of the two major branches of geography. It studies the natural features of earth, as well as earth's natural processes. Physical Geography includes the study of mountains, geology, weather and climate, and much more. It looks at how the physical formation of the earth affects other aspects of geography. It does not directly deal with humans and social constructs — that is cultural or human geography.
What is the term for an area that has measurable boundaries?
Formal region
Functional region
Perceptual region
Formal zone
Sphere of influence
A formal region is an area with measurable characteristics in common. These could include political boundaries, such as nations or states, resources such coal or water, or production such corn or avocados grown.
What is the usage of part of a river to grow and harvest sea-based animals called?
aquaculture
water-based culture
culture
basin
The usage of a river or part of it to grow sea-based creatures and plant life is called aquaculture. It is used greatly in Japan.
What is the term for a country whose government is ruled by complete anarchy?
failed state
struggling state
ruling state
misrepresented state
When a government falls and anarchy results, the country becomes known as a failed state.
What is a state within the United States of America that is considered landlocked?
Kansas
Florida
Virginia
California
For a state or country to be landlocked, it would have no direct access to a major body of water. In the United States, many of the Midwestern states are considered landlocked. One such example is Kansas.
In geographic terminology the term “idiographic” most closely describes __________.
A feature that is unique to a certain geographic region
A feature or theory that is universally applicable across a multitude of regions
A theory that is unproven or that relies on partially conclusive data, and is thus not widely accepted
The belief that the physical geography of a region deeply impacts the culture and society of that region
The use of geospatial technologies to better inform policy making in local or regional government
The term “idiographic” is used to describe or refer to a feature that is unique to a particular geographic region. It is distinct from “nomothetic” which means a feature or theory that is universally applicable across a multitude of regions.
What is the process of dividing the Earth into smaller units or portions?
Regionalization
Globalization
Sampling
Localization
The actual definition of regionalization, in geography terms, is the process of dividing up the earth into smaller regions or units or the tendency to form decentralized regions.
A street address is an example of __________.
absolute location
relative position
situation
prime position
Absolute location defines the location of a place based on a fixed point. A street address is a fixed point that describes the location of a place, and so is an example of absolute location.
Relative position defines the location of a place relative to another place or the surroundings of a place. As a street address is a fixed point, this is not the correct answer to the question.
Situation, like relative position, describes the location of a place relative to its surroundings.
Prime position is not a real term used by geographers.
Climate change and global warming are best described using the term __________.
Anthropogenic
Diffusion
Sustainability
Nomothetic
Idiographic
Climate change and global warming are environmental changes caused by human actions. The term used to describe this phenomenon is “anthropogenic.”
The area of the earth known as "the torrid zone" is located between __________.
the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn
the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator
the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn
the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle
the Equator and the Antarctic Circle
The "torrid zone" is another name for the tropics, which describes the areas between the Northern Hemisphere's Tropic of Cancer and the Southern Hemisphere's Tropic of Capricorn. These lines of latitude mark the points furthest from the Equator where the sun can still be directly overhead at any point during the year. The areas within the "torrid zone" are the warmest places on earth, featuring rainforests and other tropical environments.