AP Human Geography Practice Exam #4

Chile is considered an elongated state due to its long and narrow shape. It stretches over 4,300 kilometers from north to south, while its width varies between 177 and 356 kilometers. This elongated shape is mainly caused by the presence of the Andes mountain range to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The elongated nature of Chile has significant implications for transportation, communication, and governance, as it presents challenges in terms of connectivity and accessibility between different regions of the country.

The fertility rate refers to the average number of live births per woman during her reproductive years. It is a measure used to assess the level of fertility in a population. The rate of natural increase refers to the difference between the crude birth rate and the crude death rate, indicating the overall population growth. The replacement rate refers to the number of children needed to replace the parents in a population. The dependency ratio is a measure of the number of dependents (young and old) compared to the working-age population. The crude birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population.

The dependency ratio in the U.S. will greatly increase over the next couple of decades as baby boomers reach old age and are no longer able to provide for themselves. This means that there will be a larger proportion of the population that is dependent on the working-age population for support. This will put a strain on the economy and social welfare systems as there will be fewer people contributing to the workforce and more people relying on government assistance and healthcare services.

The given statement describes makeshift neighborhoods made from scrap materials that are present in the largest peripheral cities worldwide. These neighborhoods are commonly known as squatter settlements, where people build their homes without legal permission on land they do not own. Squatter settlements often lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. These settlements are a result of rapid urbanization and a lack of affordable housing options, forcing people to build their own homes in informal and often unsafe conditions.

Spanish is the dominant language (other than English) spoken by people over the age of five in their homes in the U.S. This is because Spanish has a long history in the United States, with Spanish-speaking populations present since the colonization of certain areas. Additionally, the proximity of the U.S. to Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Puerto Rico has contributed to the prevalence of Spanish in the country. The large number of Spanish-speaking immigrants and their descendants further solidifies Spanish as the dominant language spoken in many communities across the U.S.

According to von Thunen's model, the product that is most likely to be farmed farthest away from the market is wheat. This is because wheat is a non-perishable crop that can be transported over long distances without spoiling. Therefore, farmers can afford to locate their wheat farms farther away from the market, as transportation costs are not a significant factor. On the other hand, perishable products like strawberries and flowers would need to be grown closer to the market to minimize transportation time and costs. Dairy and cabbage, although less perishable than strawberries and flowers, would still need to be located relatively closer to the market compared to wheat.

Central Place Theory (CPT) predicts hexagonal market areas because hexagons prevent overlap or unaccounted space in market areas. Hexagons are a shape that can tessellate or fit together without gaps or overlaps, allowing for efficient coverage of a given area. In CPT, market areas are assumed to be evenly distributed and the use of hexagons helps to ensure that there is no wasted space or overlapping coverage. This allows for a more accurate representation of market areas and their boundaries, making hexagons a practical choice for predicting market areas in CPT.

According to the demographic transition model, a country at the end of demographic transition usually has low birth and death rates. This is because as a country progresses through the different stages of demographic transition, there is a decline in both birth and death rates. This decline can be attributed to factors such as improved healthcare, access to contraception, and increased education and awareness about family planning. As a result, the population growth rate slows down, leading to lower birth and death rates in the later stages of demographic transition.

Indo-European is the language family with the most speakers across the globe. This language family includes a wide range of languages such as English, Spanish, Hindi, Russian, and many others. The large number of speakers of Indo-European languages can be attributed to the historical influence and colonization by European powers, as well as the widespread use of English as a global lingua franca.

Kurdistan is an example of a nation without a state. Kurdistan refers to a region inhabited predominantly by the Kurdish people, who have their own distinct language, culture, and history. However, Kurdistan does not have its own independent sovereign state recognized by the international community. The Kurds are spread across several countries, including Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, with each country controlling different parts of the Kurdish-inhabited regions. Despite their aspirations for self-determination and statehood, the Kurds have yet to achieve an independent nation-state.

A nation is a group of people with a common cultural identity, such as language, religion, or history. It is a social construct that defines a sense of belonging and unity among its members. On the other hand, a state is a political entity with recognized borders and a governing authority. It is a geographical and legal concept that represents a sovereign territory. Therefore, the correct answer is "nation...state" as it accurately describes the relationship between a group of people with a common cultural identity and a country with recognized borders.

In stage 1 of demographic transition, both birth rates and death rates are high, resulting in a low population growth rate. In stage 2, death rates start to decline due to improvements in healthcare and sanitation, while birth rates remain high. This leads to a higher population growth rate in country B compared to country A. Therefore, the statement that the population growth rate of country B is higher than that of country A is true.

Geographers use different projections because no projection is ideal for the purposes of every map. This means that each projection has its own strengths and weaknesses, and is suitable for specific types of maps. For example, some projections may be better at preserving the shape of landmasses, while others may be better at preserving distances or areas. By using different projections, geographers can choose the one that best suits the purpose of their map, whether it is for navigation, studying climate patterns, or analyzing population distribution.

When two groups of people who speak different languages interact, they often create a simplified language combination to communicate with each other. This simplified language is known as a pidgin. Pidgin languages typically emerge in situations where there is a need for basic communication but no common language between the groups. Pidgins usually have a simplified grammar and vocabulary, incorporating elements from both languages. They are not the native language of either group and are often used for specific purposes such as trade or diplomacy.

According to the Material Index Model, if the weight of the rubber required to make tires is more near the trees where it is harvested than the rubber that's processed as a tire product, locating the tire factory close to the rubber trees would be beneficial. This is because it would reduce transportation costs and ensure a steady supply of rubber for tire production.

On a Mercator projection map, the landmasses near the poles are most exaggerated in relative size. This is because the Mercator projection distorts the size of landmasses as they get closer to the poles. The projection stretches the areas near the poles, making them appear larger than they actually are in comparison to the areas near the equator. Therefore, the landmasses near the poles are exaggerated in size on a Mercator projection map.

A cognitive map, also known as a mental map, is a representation of an individual's beliefs about the environment and the spatial relationships between different elements within it. It is not a physical map or a map of exact differences between landmarks, but rather a mental construct that helps individuals navigate and understand their surroundings. This answer accurately describes the nature of a cognitive map as being composed of beliefs about the environment and its spatial organization.

A functional region is defined by a central point or node and the surrounding areas that are connected and dependent on that central point for a specific function or service. In this case, the area served by a local bus line is a good example of a functional region because it is centered around the bus line and the surrounding areas rely on it for transportation. The bus line connects different parts of the region and people use it to travel to work, school, or other destinations within the area.

Primate cities are considered to be disproportionately larger than other cities in a country. This means that they have a significantly larger population, economic influence, and cultural significance compared to other urban areas within the same country. Primate cities often dominate the country's political, economic, and social landscape, attracting a large concentration of resources, services, and opportunities. The term "disproportionately larger" implies that the size and importance of a primate city are significantly out of proportion with the rest of the urban hierarchy in the country.

According to the rank-size rule, a city that has a rank of three would contain one-third of the population of the country's largest city. This rule states that the population of a city is inversely proportional to its rank in the urban hierarchy. In other words, the second largest city would have half the population of the largest city, the third largest city would have one-third of the population, and so on. Therefore, a city with a rank of three would have one-third of the population of the country's largest city.

A company that sells through the internet is free to locate far from its market because it does not rely on physical proximity to customers. This type of industry can operate from any location as long as it has access to reliable internet infrastructure. Therefore, it is considered a footloose industry, which refers to businesses that are not tied to a specific location and can easily relocate without impacting their operations.

According to Von Thunen's model, the location of agricultural activities is determined by the profitability of the crops. Dairy farming is located closer to the market because it generates more revenue per acre compared to wheat farming. This means that dairy farmers can afford higher land rent closer to the market, while wheat farmers, who generate less revenue per acre, have to settle for cheaper land further away from the market.

Slash-and-burn agriculture is typical for tropical forests because it is a traditional method of farming in these regions. It involves cutting down and burning the vegetation to clear the land for cultivation. The ashes from the burned vegetation provide nutrients to the soil, allowing farmers to grow crops for a few years before moving on to a new plot of land. However, this practice is not sustainable in the long term as it leads to deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity.

This question is asking about barriers to spatial interaction. Spatial interaction refers to the movement of people, goods, and ideas between different locations. The given answer states that any of the options mentioned (a neighborhood with a different language, a highway, an ocean, or a different ethnicity) could potentially be barriers to spatial interaction. This means that all of the options listed could impede the movement and exchange between different places.

Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope on a topographic contour map. When contour lines are close together, it means that the elevation is changing rapidly in a short distance, indicating a steep slope. This pattern suggests that the area has a significant change in elevation, making it the steepest slope.

When the map scale decreases, the amount of generalization typically increases. This means that as the scale becomes smaller, more details and features are omitted or simplified on the map. This is because smaller scale maps cover larger areas and therefore cannot show as much detail as larger scale maps. So, the generalization increases to maintain clarity and legibility of the map at a smaller scale.

If only biotic potential is operating and there are no checks on population growth, the population would experience exponential growth. This means that the population would increase at an accelerating rate over time. A J-curve graph accurately represents this type of growth, as it starts off slowly and then rapidly increases in a J-shaped pattern. This indicates that the population is growing rapidly without any limitations or constraints.

In MDCs (More Developed Countries), women are more likely to participate in government positions. This means that there is a higher representation of women in political and leadership roles in MDCs compared to LDCs (Less Developed Countries). This indicates that women in MDCs have more opportunities for political empowerment and are more involved in shaping government policies and decision-making processes.

Mexico's maquiladoras are examples of export processing zones. Maquiladoras are manufacturing plants, mainly located near the US-Mexico border, where imported raw materials and components are assembled into finished products for export. These zones offer various incentives such as tax breaks, reduced regulations, and cheap labor, attracting foreign investment and promoting international trade. Maquiladoras play a crucial role in Mexico's economy, contributing significantly to its export revenues and providing employment opportunities. Therefore, the term "export processing zones" accurately describes these manufacturing facilities in Mexico.

Suburbanization refers to the process of population and economic growth in suburban areas, leading to the expansion of suburbs and the decline of urban areas. This pattern of development often results in increased air pollution due to increased vehicle use, as well as the loss of productive farmland and homogenization of landscapes as natural areas are converted into housing developments. Additionally, suburbanization can contribute to inner city decay as resources and investment are diverted away from urban areas. Therefore, suburbanization is a likely cause of increased air pollution, inner city decay, homogenization of landscapes, and loss of productive farmland.

The Demographic Accounting Equation is a method used to calculate a country's population. It takes into account factors such as natural increase (births minus deaths), natural decrease (deaths minus births), immigration (people moving into the country), and emigration (people moving out of the country). However, it does not take into account the total fertility rate, which is the average number of children born to a woman in her lifetime. The total fertility rate is an important factor in understanding population growth, but it is not included in the Demographic Accounting Equation.

When people participate in gentrification, they typically move to the city. Gentrification refers to the process of renovating and improving urban areas, often leading to an influx of wealthier residents. As part of this process, individuals or families who are involved in gentrification tend to relocate to urban areas where they can invest in and contribute to the revitalization of neighborhoods. This movement to the city helps drive economic growth and development in urban areas.

Salinization is the most likely process that caused Domingo's soil to become unproductive. Salinization occurs when excessive irrigation or poor drainage leads to the accumulation of salt in the soil. This high salt concentration inhibits the growth of plants and reduces soil fertility. Given that Domingo heavily irrigated his land, it is possible that the excessive water usage resulted in the accumulation of salt, leading to the infertility of the soil.

The answer explains the concept of urban hierarchy by stating that both small and large cities provide different types of commodities. This implies that cities exist in a hierarchical structure where smaller cities provide basic or low-order commodities, while larger cities provide more specialized or high-order commodities. This demonstrates the idea that cities function as part of a larger urban hierarchy, with different cities fulfilling different roles and providing different goods and services.

A cartogram is a thematic map that displays quantities of a variable by resizing the regions. It distorts the size of the regions based on the data being represented, allowing for visual comparison of the variable across different areas. Unlike other types of maps, such as choropleth maps that use color or isoline maps that use lines to represent data, cartograms use size as the primary visual element to convey information. Therefore, the correct answer is a cartogram.

According to the "dependency theory" of development, the highly developed parts of the world have achieved and maintained their status by exploiting the underdeveloped regions. This theory suggests that the underdeveloped parts of the world remain in a state of dependency on the highly developed regions, and their development is contingent upon following the rules and advice of the more advanced areas. This explanation highlights the idea that the development of certain regions is not solely based on their own efforts but is influenced by the exploitation and dominance of more developed regions.

Exurbia is best described as being made up of small, isolated communities consisting mostly of telecommuters. This means that the area is characterized by having small communities that are geographically separated and primarily populated by individuals who work remotely. The other options provided in the question do not accurately describe exurbia.

Cindy's store on main street sells paintings primarily to tourists visiting Hilton Head, South Carolina from other cities. This indicates that the store is a part of the basic economy of Hilton Head. The basic economy refers to the primary economic activities that are essential for the functioning of a region or community. In this case, the store's sales to tourists contribute to the local economy by generating revenue and supporting employment.

The given statement is false because the English language is not the dominant primary language across the globe. While English is widely spoken and has become a global language, it is not the most spoken language as a first language. Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language as a first language, followed by Spanish and then English. Therefore, the statement that English is the dominant primary language across the globe is not true.

The religious practices of many cultural groups combining elements of Christianity with the traditional religions of their ancestors can be seen as a creolized religion. Creolization refers to the blending and merging of different cultural practices and beliefs to create a new and unique cultural expression. In this case, the combination of Christianity with traditional religions represents a synthesis of different religious traditions, resulting in a creolized religion.

Deindustrialization refers to the effect of the movement of secondary economic activities from developed to developing countries. This means that as industries and manufacturing sectors in developed countries decline, they are being relocated or outsourced to developing countries where labor and production costs are lower. This shift in economic activities has significant effects on both the developed and developing countries involved, including changes in employment patterns, economic growth, and global trade dynamics.

The correct answer states that agriculture as a cultural innovation was probably first carried out by women, not men. This suggests that women played a significant role in the development and practice of agriculture. This explanation highlights the likelihood of women being the pioneers of agriculture, indicating their importance and contribution to this cultural innovation.

The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s aimed to increase agricultural production through various methods. The use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides was one of the key components of the Green Revolution as it helped to control pests and increase crop yields. New hybrid seeds were also a crucial aspect of the Green Revolution as they were developed to be more resistant to diseases and pests, resulting in higher productivity. The dissemination of technology from the core to the periphery was another important element of the Green Revolution, as it aimed to spread agricultural knowledge and techniques to farmers in rural areas. More intensive use of land was also a part of the Green Revolution, as farmers were encouraged to maximize their land productivity. However, GIS-based "smart agriculture" is not typically considered a part of the Green Revolution as it is a more recent technological advancement that involves the use of geographic information systems to optimize farming practices.

Ancillary activities refer to activities that are supplementary or supportive to the main activities of a business or organization. In the given options, janitorial services, grocery stores, and delivery services can all be considered as ancillary activities because they provide additional support or services to the main operations of a business or organization. These activities are not the primary focus but are essential for the smooth functioning of the main operations.

Demographic momentum refers to the tendency of a population to continue growing even after fertility rates decline, due to the large number of young people in the population who are reaching reproductive age. This phenomenon is a major driver of both current and projected population growth. While decreasing crude birth rate, decreasing total fertility rate, decreasing death rate, and pronatalist population policies can all have an impact on population growth, demographic momentum has the greatest influence as it takes into account the existing age structure of the population.

The Green Revolution was a period of technological advancements in agriculture that aimed to increase food production. It involved the development and improvement of chemicals used in agricultural production, technological improvements such as hybrid seeds, and the exportation of agricultural techniques from developed to developing countries. It also focused on the use of more environmentally sustainable "green" techniques in agricultural production. However, it did not specifically aim for more intensive production of agricultural goods in developing regions.

Price supports for milk are a good example of planned agriculture because they involve government intervention to ensure stable prices and income for dairy farmers. Price supports involve setting a minimum price for milk, which is typically higher than the market price, and the government may also buy excess milk to maintain prices. This helps to stabilize the dairy industry and ensure a consistent supply of milk, benefiting both farmers and consumers.