MTTC 105 Geography Exam Questions
with Correct Answers
Factors Affecting Climate - Answer-Because Earth is tilted, its rotation brings about
changes in seasons. Regions closer to the equator, and those nearest the poles,
experience very little change in seasonal temperatures. Mid-range latitudes are most
likely to experience distinct seasons. Large bodies of water also affect climate. Ocean
currents and wind patterns can change the climate for an area that lies in a typically
cold latitude, such as England, to a much more temperate climate. Mountains can affect
both short-term weather and long-term climates. Some deserts occur because
precipitation is stopped by the wall of a mountain range.
It has been theorized that human activity has led to climate change.
Major elements of geography include: - Answer--locations
-regional characteristics
-spatial relations
-natural and man-made forces that change elements of Earth
These elements are also studied from regional, topical, physical, and human
perspectives.
Physical Geography - Answer-the study of the physical characteristics of Earth: how
they relate to each other, how they were formed, and how they develop. These
characteristics include climate, land, and water, and also how they affect human
population in various areas. Different landforms, in combination with various climates
and other conditions, determine the characteristics of various cultures
Human Systems that Geographers incorporate into the study of Earth - Answer-Human
systems affect geography in the way in which they settle, form groups that grow into
large scale habitations, and even create permanent changes in the landscape.
Geographers study movements of people, how they distribute goods among each other
and to other settlements or cultures, and how ideas grow and spread.
Migrations, wars, forced relocations, and trade can all spread cultural ideas, language,
goods, and other practices to widespread areas
Human systems can lead to various conflicts or alliances to control access to and the
use of natural resources
Human Systems that form the basis of cultures in North America - Answer-NA consists
of 23 countries, including (in decreasing population order) USA, Mexico, Canada,
Guatemala, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Many NA cultures come from a mixture of indigenous and colonial European influences.
Agriculture is important to NA countries, while service industries and technology also
play a large part in the economy
, Human Systems that Shape South America - Answer-Home to 12 sovereign states,
including Brazil (largest in area and population), Columbia, Argentina, Venezuela, and
Peru; 2 independent territories, and 1 internal territory
Largely defined by its prevailing languages, majority speak Spanish or Portuguese
Most SA countries rely on only 1 or 2 exports, usually agricultural, with suitable lands
often controlled by rich families. Major separations between classes, both economically
and socially
Challenges faced by developing SA countries include geographical limitations,
economic issues, and sustainable development, including the need to preserve the
existing rainforests
Human Systems Influencing Europe - Answer-Is industrialized and developed, with
cultural differences giving each individual country its own characteristics
-Greek and Roman influences, as did Christianity
-Spread beliefs and cultural elements by migration and colonization
While W Europe has been largely democratic, E Europe functioned under communist
rule for many years. The formation of the EU in 1993 has increased stability and
positive diplomatic relations among European nations
Europe is now focusing on various environmental issues
Human Systems that have Shaped Russia - Answer-Russia became a Communist
state, known as the USSR, collapsing in 1991. The country then struggled in its
transition to a market-driven economy... problems with nuclear power (accidents such
as Chernobyl).
Population is not evenly distributed, with 3 quarters of the population living west of the
Ural Mountains. Over a hundred different ethnic groups. Over 80% is ethnically Russian
and Russian is the official language of the country
Human systems that have shaped North Africa and Southwest and Central Asia. -
Answer-The largely desert climate of the areas has led most population centers to rise
around sources of water (such as Nile River). Home to earliest known civilizations and
the origin or Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. European colonies during the 18th and
19th centuries, many gained independence beginning of 20th century. Islam has served
as a unifying force for large portions of these areas, and many speak Arabic. Agriculture
is a large business, but most valuable resource is oil (ongoing political problems and
has contributed to environmental issues)
Geography - Answer-Study of the earth
Also focuses on the origins of Earth, as well as the history and background of different
human populations.
Geographers study - Answer-physical characteristics of Earth as well as man-made
borders and boundaries. They also study the distribution of life on the planet, such as
where certain species of animals can be found and how different forms of life interact.
