AP Human Geography Agriculture (Rubenstein) Exam Practice Test

On dairy farms, farmers primarily grow milk, which is the main product sold to the market. Milk can then be processed into various dairy products, including butter and cheese, which are also sold. Cows (option D) are not sold to the market in the same way; instead, they are raised on the farm to produce milk. The focus of dairy farming is on the production of milk and its derivatives, not on selling the cows themselves, as they are essential for ongoing milk production.

Climate plays a critical role in agriculture as it affects the types of crops that can be successfully cultivated and whether livestock can be raised in a particular region. Factors such as temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations determine the growing conditions for crops and the feasibility of animal husbandry. Whittlesey's classification of agricultural practices reflects the importance of climate in shaping agricultural systems around the world.

In the Von Thünen model, agricultural land use is organized into concentric rings around a central market, with each ring representing different types of farming based on proximity to the market and transport costs. If a river were added to this scenario, it would serve as an efficient transport route, reducing transportation costs along its banks. As a result, farms for different products would be situated parallel to the river to maximize access to this natural transportation route. This arrangement would provide easy, cost-effective access to the market along the river, modifying the original circular pattern into bands that follow the river's flow.

Ridge tillage is an agricultural practice that involves planting crops on ridges or raised beds, which helps to improve drainage and soil health while reducing erosion. This method contrasts with contour farming, which follows the natural contours of the land, and terracing, which creates steps on sloped land to manage water runoff.

A combine, short for "combine harvester," is a modern agricultural machine that integrates several functions—reaping (cutting the crop), threshing (separating grain from the chaff), and cleaning (removing impurities)—into one process. This efficiency reduces labor costs and time spent in the fields. Combines have become essential in contemporary agriculture, allowing farmers to harvest large areas of crops quickly and effectively.

Double cropping is an agricultural practice where farmers grow and harvest two different crops on the same field within a single year. This method maximizes land use and increases productivity. It is commonly used in regions with long growing seasons and favorable climates.

For example, a farmer might grow wheat in the winter and then plant soybeans in the summer on the same land. Double cropping helps improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and optimize resource use, but it also requires careful soil management and adequate water availability.

In More Developed Countries (MDCs), the level of involvement in farming is generally low, as these economies are more industrialized and rely less on agriculture. Conversely, in Less Developed Countries (LDCs), the level of involvement in farming is high, as agriculture remains a critical part of the economy and livelihood for a large portion of the population.

The correct answer is "Shifting cultivation and intensive cultivation." Shifting cultivation involves moving to new land once soil fertility declines, commonly in traditional agricultural societies. Intensive cultivation, on the other hand, involves maximizing output from a given area, often through the use of fertilizers and efficient crop management. These approaches focus on how land is cultivated rather than the agricultural methods or economic types involved.

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is primarily practiced in humid low-latitude regions characterized by high rainfall and warm temperatures, which support dense tropical vegetation. These conditions enable farmers to clear plots of land for cultivation, grow crops for several years, and then allow the land to regenerate during a fallow period. This agricultural method thrives in environments where soil fertility can be temporarily restored, making humid low-latitude areas ideal for such practices. Other regions, such as dry, cold mid-latitude, or polar areas, lack the necessary climate and ecological conditions for effective shifting cultivation.

The Kayapo people of the Amazon practice a form of shifting cultivation, and they typically plant their crops in circular shapes. This method, known as the "circle planting" technique, allows them to optimize the use of space and manage the surrounding vegetation effectively. The circular arrangement helps in creating a microenvironment that can support a diverse array of crops while also facilitating easier access for tending and harvesting. This traditional agricultural practice reflects their deep understanding of the local ecology and enhances biodiversity in their farming systems.

Horticulture, which includes the production of perishable fruits, vegetables, and flowers, requires quick delivery to ensure freshness. Therefore, these farms are located in the first ring of the Von Thünen model, close to the market. By minimizing transportation time, horticulture products are able to reach consumers in optimal condition, preserving quality and reducing spoilage.

The reaper, invented by Cyrus McCormick in the 1830s, revolutionized the way grain was harvested. This machine was designed to cut down standing crops, making the harvesting process much more efficient compared to manual methods. Before the reaper, farmers used sickles or scythes, which required substantial labor and time. The reaper allowed for faster harvesting, significantly increasing productivity in agriculture.

Plantation agriculture is a form of commercial farming that typically involves large estates owned by multinational corporations or more developed countries (MDCs) in less developed countries (LDCs). In this system, local farmers are often employed to cultivate specific cash crops—like sugar, coffee, or tobacco—primarily for export rather than for local consumption. This contrasts with subsistence farming (option B), where farmers grow food primarily for their own consumption. Commercial agriculture (option C) encompasses a broader range of agricultural practices aimed at producing crops for sale, while cooperative farming (option D) involves local farmers working together to manage and cultivate shared resources, often without the same hierarchical ownership structure found in plantation agriculture.

Seed agriculture began to become widely practiced in the Western Hemisphere after European colonization in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Europeans introduced various agricultural practices and crops from their homelands, which led to the establishment of seed agriculture in the Americas. Prior to this, indigenous peoples had their own forms of agriculture, but the introduction of European farming techniques and crops significantly transformed agricultural practices in the region.

Derwent Whittlesey was a geographer known for his work on agricultural regions. He developed a widely referenced map that categorized various agricultural practices around the world based on their distribution and characteristics. His research helped to understand the differences between subsistence agriculture (which primarily supports the farmer's family) and commercial agriculture (which produces goods for sale), illustrating how geography influences farming practices.

Seed agriculture diffused in all compass directions—northward, eastward, southward, and westward—from its hearths, including the one in China. As agricultural practices developed, the knowledge of cultivating crops and the seeds themselves spread to neighboring regions and eventually to more distant areas, contributing to the global agricultural landscape we see today. This diffusion was influenced by trade, migration, and cultural exchange, allowing diverse regions to adopt seed agriculture practices over time.

While only a small percentage of the U.S. population is directly involved in farming, a significantly larger portion works in agribusiness. This includes jobs in processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and sales of agricultural products. Agribusiness is vital to the agricultural economy, illustrating the interconnectedness of farming with broader economic activities that support the food supply chain.

In mixed crop and livestock farming systems, a significant portion of income—approximately 75%—comes from the sale of animal products, such as milk, meat, and eggs. This model allows farmers to diversify their income sources by integrating livestock with crop production. While crops, such as corn (option A) and cereal grains (option C), are also produced, they typically do not contribute as heavily to the overall income as animal products do. Fruits and vegetables (option D) can also be part of the farming system, but they generally represent a smaller segment of total income compared to animal products.

Winter wheat is specifically planted in the fall months, allowing it to establish a robust root system before winter. This adaptation enables it to survive cold temperatures and re-emerge in the spring. It is primarily grown in regions with milder winters, such as Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma, where it can be harvested in early summer. In contrast, spring wheat is sown in the spring and harvested in late summer, making it unsuitable for areas with harsh winters.

In mixed crop and livestock farming systems, corn is a primary crop that is often grown both for human consumption and as feed for livestock. While corn can be processed into oil, a significant portion of it is used as animal feed due to its high energy content. This dual-purpose use of corn highlights its importance in supporting livestock production. Other crops, such as soybeans (option B), are also grown for oil production and animal feed but are not the focus of this specific question. Wheat (option C) and oats (option D) are typically not used primarily for oil production.

The statement is true as many dairy farmers are leaving the industry for higher-paying jobs that require less physically demanding work. This trend has contributed to a decrease in dairy production, as fewer individuals are available to manage dairy farms and handle the extensive labor involved in milking cows, managing livestock, and maintaining dairy operations. The reduction in the number of active dairy farmers can lead to lower overall milk production, impacting supply in the market.

Critics of shifting cultivation argue that it is an inefficient method for feeding populations in less developed countries (LDCs) due to its reliance on small plots of land and extended fallow periods, which may not yield sufficient food for larger communities. They also claim that this practice is not an effective use of land, as it involves relocating from one plot to another, leading to underutilization of fertile areas. While shifting cultivation is culturally significant and can maintain biodiversity, critics tend to emphasize its potential negative impacts on land degradation when not managed sustainably, making the notion that it is environmentally friendly a contested perspective.

Ranching is common in both Portugal and Spain. In Spain, extensive ranching practices are seen in various regions, especially with cattle and sheep, which are integral to traditional Spanish agriculture. Portugal also has a rich tradition of ranching, particularly in the Alentejo region, where livestock farming is prominent. Both countries have favorable climates and landscapes for raising cattle, making ranching a significant part of their agricultural economies.

Sustainable agriculture, or organic farming, is distinguished from conventional agriculture by three key factors: sensitive land management, limited use of chemicals, and better integration of livestock. Sensitive land management involves practices that protect and enhance soil health, such as minimizing tillage and using cover crops. Limited use of chemicals emphasizes reducing or eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, opting instead for natural pest control methods to promote a balanced ecosystem. Lastly, better integration of livestock allows for nutrient recycling through manure, enhancing soil fertility and promoting biodiversity. Together, these practices foster a more resilient and environmentally friendly farming system.

By 1980, North America emerged as the world's major exporter of food, largely due to its vast agricultural resources and advanced farming techniques. The United States and Canada, in particular, were significant contributors to global food supplies, exporting a variety of agricultural products, including grains (such as wheat and corn), meat, and dairy products. The agricultural sector in these countries benefited from innovations in technology, transportation, and infrastructure, which allowed for efficient production and distribution of food products.

Ranchers selling cattle in Texas earn significantly less per head compared to those selling on the East Coast. Reports indicate that ranchers in Texas make approximately $3-$4 per head, whereas those on the East Coast can earn between $30-$40 per head. This price difference is due to various factors, including market demand, transportation costs, and access to different consumer bases.

In shifting cultivation, the primary method of land preparation involves slash-and-burn techniques rather than the use of hoes, plows, and animals. Farmers typically clear the land by cutting down vegetation and burning it to enrich the soil. They may use simple hand tools, such as machetes or hoes, for planting but do not generally employ plows or draft animals in the traditional sense. The focus is on utilizing the nutrients from the ash of the burned vegetation for a short period before moving on to another area.

Farmers in More Developed Countries (MDCs) grow crops and raise animals to sell directly to:

consumers

food-processing companies

markets

stores

These options highlight the various channels through which MDC farmers can sell their agricultural products. They may sell directly to consumers at farmers' markets, supply food-processing companies that convert raw materials into packaged goods, sell their products to grocery stores, or participate in wholesale markets. This versatility allows for greater economic opportunities and access to broader consumer bases compared to farmers in Less Developed Countries (LDCs).

Historically, ranching often occurred over large expanses of land, allowing ranchers to move livestock in search of grazing areas. Today, ranching practices have shifted towards more fixed locations, often involving designated ranching lands where animals are raised year-round.

Boserup's stages of intensification of farmland illustrate how agricultural practices evolve in response to increasing population pressures. As populations grow, subsistence farmers are compelled to enhance the productivity of their land through more intensive farming methods. Boserup identified various stages, starting from shifting cultivation to the adoption of advanced techniques like fertilizers and irrigation. This framework emphasizes the dynamic relationship between demographic changes and agricultural innovations, showing that farmers adapt their methods to produce more food and meet the demands of a larger population, contrasting with earlier theories that viewed agricultural practices as static.

In shifting cultivation, fields are typically abandoned due to nutrient depletion, infertile soil, and rapid weed growth. The soil becomes less fertile after continuous cropping, leading to nutrient depletion, which can prompt farmers to move to a new area. Additionally, rapid weed growth can make it difficult to cultivate the land effectively. However, water scarcity is not a primary reason for abandoning fields in this agricultural system. Instead, shifting cultivators often choose new locations based on soil fertility rather than water availability, as they typically rely on the natural moisture present in the humid low-latitude regions where shifting cultivation is practiced.

Commercial gardening and fruit farming, also known as truck farming, primarily produce fruits and vegetables to meet consumer demand, especially in urban areas. These farms supply a wide variety of produce, including tomatoes, lettuce, berries, and other fruits and vegetables that are often sold fresh at markets or grocery stores. Truck farming does not typically include cereal grains, rice, or flowers, as these crops either require different growing conditions or are not as profitable for direct sale in urban markets. This focus allows truck farms to specialize in produce with a fast turnover, maximizing efficiency and profit.

True. The flooded field in which wet rice is grown is called a paddy. The term "paddy" originates from the Malay word "padi," which refers to unhusked rice. In wet rice cultivation, paddies are created by flooding the fields with water, which helps to create a suitable environment for rice plants to grow. This method not only supports the rice plants during their critical growth stages but also helps to suppress weed growth and provides essential nutrients from decomposed organic matter. Paddies can vary in size and are often surrounded by bunds (earth embankments) to retain water. The management of water levels in these paddies is crucial, as it affects the health of the rice plants and the overall yield.

This does not happen all the time. If the cost for just transporting the crop to the market is more than the difference of the cost of the land and the selling price of the crop per land area, then there will be a net loss of money for a given land area.
Therefore, farmers must have:
1) a farm that is close to the market
2) crops that will sell for prices higher than the cost to sustain for the land itself upon which the crop is grown
3) crops that fit number 2 and also has a low cost of transportation to the market.

In More Developed Countries (MDCs), farmers often engage in commercial agriculture, where they grow multiple crops over large areas to maximize profit and meet market demands. In contrast, in Less Developed Countries (LDCs), farming practices are typically subsistence-oriented, focusing on growing a single crop over a wide area to meet the basic food needs of the family or community. This difference reflects varying agricultural practices influenced by economic conditions, technological advancements, and available resources.

In regions where wet rice is not the dominant crop, often due to harsh winter conditions or insufficient summer rainfall, wheat becomes the primary staple. This is especially true in temperate climates where rice cannot be effectively cultivated. While rice (option A) is a major crop in wet rice-intensive subsistence agriculture, corn (option B) and soybeans (option D) are generally not the main staples in those specific agricultural practices. Instead, wheat serves as a significant crop in areas where conditions do not favor rice cultivation.

Shifting cultivation is called "shifting cultivation" rather than "shifting agriculture" primarily due to the scale and intensity of the practices involved.

Scale: Shifting cultivation typically refers to small-scale subsistence farming practiced by individuals or families within specific communities. It involves the rotation of fields, allowing land to rest and recover after a period of cultivation. In contrast, the term "agriculture" often implies larger-scale operations that may include commercial farming with more extensive land use.

Intensity: Shifting cultivation is characterized by its low intensity, where farmers cultivate a plot of land for a few years before shifting to another plot, allowing the previously used land to regenerate naturally. This method contrasts with conventional agriculture, which usually involves continuous cultivation of the same land with more intensive practices, such as the use of fertilizers and irrigation.

Argentina's cattle industry has flourished due to its access to the ocean, facilitating the export of beef to international markets. The country is renowned for its high-quality beef and vast cattle ranching operations.

In shifting cultivation, when a village abandons a patch of land, the farmers leave it fallow for a certain period to allow the soil to replenish its nutrients naturally. During this time, the land is typically not actively cared for or cultivated. Instead, the farmers focus on other areas for cultivation until the abandoned land can be reused. This practice relies on the natural regeneration of the vegetation, which helps restore soil fertility and prepares it for future agricultural use. The fallow period is essential for maintaining the sustainability of the shifting cultivation system.

The Von Thünen model simplifies agricultural location decisions based on distance to market, but it does not account for several factors that significantly impact real-world agriculture. Specifically, the model does not consider the physical environment (e.g., natural landscapes and soil quality), social factors (e.g., community traditions and consumer preferences), or government policies (e.g., zoning laws and subsidies), all of which influence agricultural practices and land use. Additionally, while transportation costs are central to the model, the costs associated with different types of products and the varied need for space are less explicitly considered.

Subsistence farmers can increase productivity by adopting better farming tools and techniques, such as improved hand tools or small-scale irrigation, and by shortening fallow periods where possible while maintaining soil fertility through methods like crop rotation. While machinery and pesticides can be effective, they are often inaccessible or unsuitable for these farmers due to limited resources and potential environmental concerns.

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a form of subsistence farming practiced in tropical regions, and it covers approximately 20% of the world's land area. However, it is practiced by about 5% of the world's population, as it is primarily utilized by indigenous communities and rural populations in specific regions. This highlights the extensive land use for shifting cultivation compared to the relatively small percentage of people who rely on this agricultural method for their livelihood.

The process of harvesting rice seeds from the chaff involves several key steps. First, farmers cut the mature rice stalks at the base to gather the plants. Next, they thresh the rice, which separates the edible grains from the inedible husks. After threshing, the grains are dried in the sun to reduce moisture content, which is crucial for storage. The next step is winnowing, where wind or air is used to blow away the lighter chaff, leaving the heavier rice grains behind. Finally, the cleaned and dried rice seeds are stored in airtight containers to protect them from pests and moisture until needed for planting or consumption.

Commercial farmers encounter several significant challenges that affect their profitability and sustainability. Government subsidies can create dependency, potentially discouraging innovation. Low selling prices are a prevalent issue, primarily driven by overproduction, leading to reduced profit margins. The saturation of the market with numerous similar crops further exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for individual farmers to sell their produce at profitable rates. Additionally, implementing sustainable practices poses a challenge due to the costs involved, especially for those already facing financial pressures from low prices and intense competition.

To combat the issues of overproduction in agriculture, the U.S. government employs various strategies aimed at stabilizing the market and supporting farmers. One approach is advising farmers against producing crops that are in abundance, which helps balance supply and demand. The government also provides financial support by paying farmers the difference between market prices and selling prices, ensuring a more stable income during downturns. Additionally, it buys crops from farmers and sells/donates them to foreign governments, reducing excess supply in the domestic market. Lastly, programs like giving food stamps to low-income individuals help boost demand for agricultural products, indirectly supporting farmers by enhancing their sales.

Pastoral nomadism, a form of subsistence agriculture practiced in less developed countries (LDCs), involves nomads who frequently migrate with their livestock, following water sources and seasonal patterns through transhumance. They typically do not kill their animals, as herd size signifies power and prestige, but will consume them if they die. In contrast, ranching is a commercial agriculture practiced in more developed countries (MDCs), where ranchers raise livestock in designated areas without migrating. While nomads may also grow crops—often with the help of women, children, or hired labor—they may temporarily settle in one area until the soil is depleted or conditions worsen, prompting migration in search of food and water.

Subsistence farmers face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to provide sufficient food for their communities. One significant issue is producing for a rapidly growing population; as populations increase in less developed countries (LDCs), these farmers are pressured to produce more food using limited resources. This can lead to food shortages and heightened stress on their agricultural systems. Another challenge is the inefficient use of land; many subsistence farmers rely on traditional farming methods and lack access to modern technology, resulting in lower crop yields. This inefficiency exacerbates food scarcity and limits their ability to sustain their families and communities.

Regions practicing Mediterranean agriculture share a similar physical environment with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, are typically located near a sea, and are often found on the west coasts of continents. While they may share some common crops and agricultural practices, the specific crops grown can vary, and these regions are not limited to the area around the Mediterranean Sea.

 Intensive subsistence agriculture is a type of farming that involves cultivating small plots of land with high labor inputs to maximize yields. This practice is common in less developed countries where farmers have limited access to technology and capital, and where population densities are high, requiring efficient use of available land for food production.

The primary hearths of seed agriculture include Southwest Asia (Fertile Crescent), where early crops such as wheat and barley were cultivated; East Asia, known for the domestication of rice and millet; Central America, which is recognized for maize, beans, and squash; and Sub-Saharan Africa, where crops like sorghum and millet were developed. These regions played pivotal roles in the origins of agriculture and the domestication of significant crops.