AP Human Geography Chapter 1 Multiple Choice Test
What is a "functional region," and give an example?
A functional region is an area organized around a central node or focal point, where the defining activity
or connection diminishes with distance. An example is a metropolitan area served by a major city as the
central hub. ✔️✔️
What is the concept of "environmental perception"?
Environmental perception refers to how individuals view and interpret their environment, often
influenced by cultural, social, and personal factors, affecting how they interact with and respond to it.
✔️✔️
What is the purpose of a "proportional symbol map"?
A proportional symbol map uses symbols of varying sizes to represent data values for different areas,
with larger symbols representing higher quantities, allowing for easy comparison across regions. ✔️✔️
Explain the term "infrastructure" in geography.
Infrastructure refers to the basic physical systems of a place, including transportation, communication,
sewage, water, and energy networks, which support and enable human activity. ✔️✔️
What is cultural syncretism, and provide an example?
Cultural syncretism is the blending of different cultural traits or traditions to create new practices or
ideas. An example is the fusion of African, Native American, and European influences in Caribbean
music. ✔️✔️
What is the difference between a "dot map" and a "choropleth map"?
A dot map uses individual dots to represent occurrences or values, showing distribution patterns, while
a choropleth map uses shaded areas to represent ranges of data, indicating density or concentration.
✔️✔️
,Define the term "toponym" and provide an example.
A toponym is the name given to a place on Earth, often reflecting cultural or historical significance. An
example is "New York," named after York in England. ✔️✔️
What does "absolute distance" mean, and how does it differ from "relative distance"?
Absolute distance is a fixed measurement, often in miles or kilometers, between two points. Relative
distance describes the connectivity or perceived separation between places, like travel time or cost.
✔️✔️
What is a "perceptual region," and why is it subjective?
A perceptual region, or vernacular region, is defined by people's beliefs, feelings, or cultural identity
rather than strict boundaries. For instance, "the American South" is perceived differently depending on
personal perspectives. ✔️✔️
Explain what "diffusion barriers" are and give an example.
Diffusion barriers are physical, cultural, or political factors that slow or prevent the spread of ideas,
practices, or innovations. An example is mountain ranges limiting cultural diffusion between regions.
✔️✔️
What is the purpose of a spatial distribution map?
A spatial distribution map shows the arrangement and spread of phenomena across a geographic area,
allowing geographers to analyze patterns, such as population density or disease outbreaks. ✔️✔️
What does "connectivity" mean in terms of geography?
Connectivity refers to the direct and indirect links between locations, facilitating movement,
communication, and trade, impacting social, economic, and cultural interactions. ✔️✔️
What is "scale of analysis," and how does it influence interpretation?
Scale of analysis determines the spatial level at which data is examined, such as local, regional, or global,
impacting the conclusions drawn and revealing different patterns or trends. ✔️✔️
Explain "location theory" and its importance in human geography.
, Location theory explores the reasons behind the placement of economic activities in certain areas,
considering factors like transportation costs, resource availability, and market access. ✔️✔️
What is a "reference point" in geography?
A reference point is a known, fixed location used to determine the position of other locations relative to
it, like using landmarks or coordinates to assist in navigation. ✔️✔️
What is spatial interaction, and why is it significant?
Spatial interaction examines the flow of people, goods, services, or information between locations,
revealing connections and dependencies within regions and guiding urban planning and economic
development. ✔️✔️
Explain what "global positioning system" (GPS) is and how it works.
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides precise location data anywhere on Earth. It
works by triangulating signals from multiple satellites to pinpoint a user's exact coordinates. ✔️✔️
What does "site and situation" analysis reveal about a place?
Site and situation analysis reveals both the internal characteristics of a location (site) and its external
connections to other places (situation), helping to understand a place’s strategic importance and
potential for growth. ✔️✔️
What is "sense of place," and why is it significant in geography?
Sense of place refers to the feelings and perceptions people associate with a particular location, giving it
unique meaning and often influencing attachment or behavior within that place. ✔️✔️
What is a "cognitive map," and how is it used?
A cognitive map is a mental representation of a geographic area, shaped by personal experience and
perception, which helps individuals navigate and understand spatial relationships in their environment.
✔️✔️
Explain the concept of "network" in human geography.
