Western Canada Geography: Quiz!

The five main factors that determine where people will settle are economy, environment, landforms, physical environment, and resources. These factors play a crucial role in influencing people's decisions on where to live and establish their communities. The economy determines the availability of jobs and economic opportunities, while the environment encompasses factors such as climate, natural disasters, and overall livability. Landforms, such as mountains, rivers, and coastlines, can affect the suitability of an area for settlement. The physical environment includes factors like access to water, fertile soil, and natural resources, which are essential for sustaining life.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth. It uses a network of satellites, ground stations, and receivers to accurately determine the position, velocity, and time synchronization of a GPS receiver. This technology is widely used in various applications such as navigation, mapping, surveying, and tracking.

The terms "Boom and Bust" are commonly used to describe a healthy economy or one that is slow. "Boom" refers to a period of rapid economic growth, high employment rates, and increased consumer spending. On the other hand, "Bust" refers to a period of economic decline, low employment rates, and decreased consumer spending. These terms capture the cyclical nature of economies, where periods of expansion are followed by periods of contraction.

The three main factors that affect temperature are proximity to water, seasons, and altitude. Proximity to water influences temperature because water has a high heat capacity and can moderate temperature changes. Seasons affect temperature due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, resulting in variations in the amount of sunlight received. Altitude plays a role in temperature as the higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure and temperature. These factors collectively contribute to the variations in temperature observed in different regions.

The correct answer is Forests, Tundra, and Grassland. Canada is known for its vast and diverse landscapes, and these three biomes are the most prominent ones found in the country. Forests cover a significant portion of Canada, especially in the southern regions, and are home to a variety of tree species. Tundra, on the other hand, is found in the northernmost parts of Canada and is characterized by cold temperatures, permafrost, and low-growing vegetation. Grasslands can be found in the prairie provinces of Canada, with vast expanses of grasses and a unique ecosystem adapted to the dry and windy conditions.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and its primary function is to determine latitude and longitude positions. It uses a network of satellites to accurately calculate the coordinates of a specific location on Earth. This information is essential for navigation purposes, as it allows users to pinpoint their exact position and plan routes accordingly. By providing precise latitude and longitude positions, GPS technology enables various applications, such as mapping, tracking, and navigation systems, to function effectively.

Longitude refers to the imaginary vertical lines that divide the earth. These lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole and help in determining the east-west position of a specific location on the earth's surface. Longitude is measured in degrees, with the Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) serving as the reference point. By using longitude, one can accurately pinpoint a location's position and navigate across the globe.

The term "Cultural Environment" is used to define an environment that has been altered or influenced by human activities, such as the presence of human settlements, cultural practices, and the impact of human civilization on the natural surroundings. It encompasses the social, economic, and cultural aspects of human life that shape and transform the physical environment. This term highlights the significant role of human beings in shaping and modifying their surroundings through their beliefs, values, and behaviors.

The correct answer is that the natives used the land without permanently damaging the environment. This means that they had a sustainable approach to land use, taking only what they needed and ensuring that the ecosystem remained intact. They did not engage in practices that would cause long-term harm to the environment, such as deforestation or overfishing. This is in contrast to the Europeans, who often exploited the land and its resources without considering the long-term consequences.

The correct answer is Polar and Severe winter climates. Canada experiences a polar climate in the northern regions, characterized by extremely cold temperatures and long, harsh winters. The severe winter climate extends across the country, with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. This combination of polar and severe winter climates is what stretches across all of Canada, from east to west.