human

9+ What is Domestication? AP Human Geography Definition Guide

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domestication ap human geography definition

9+ What is Domestication? AP Human Geography Definition Guide

The process by which wild plants and animals are genetically modified over time by humans to become more suited to human needs and controlled environments. This selective breeding leads to changes in the physical and behavioral traits of the species, making them dependent on human intervention for survival and reproduction. An example is the cultivation of wheat, which has been selectively bred for larger grain size and easier harvesting compared to its wild ancestors.

This phenomenon is a foundational element of human civilization, enabling the development of settled agriculture and pastoralism. Its significance lies in the increased food security and resource availability that allowed for population growth, specialization of labor, and the emergence of complex societies. Historically, it represents a major turning point in the relationship between humans and the environment, transforming humans from hunter-gatherers to managers of ecosystems.

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What is Shifting Cultivation? AP Human Geography Definition

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shifting cultivation ap human geography definition

What is Shifting Cultivation? AP Human Geography Definition

This agricultural system, often practiced in tropical regions, involves clearing forests or woodlands for cultivation. The cleared land is farmed for a relatively short period, usually until soil fertility declines, at which point the farmer moves to a new plot, allowing the previously cultivated land to regenerate naturally. This method is characterized by its cyclical nature, shifting from one area to another over time. A typical example involves cutting down trees, burning the vegetation (slash-and-burn), and planting crops in the ash-enriched soil until its nutrients are exhausted.

Historically, this farming practice has provided sustenance for communities in areas with nutrient-poor soils, offering a sustainable method of agriculture when population densities are low and fallow periods are long enough to allow for soil recovery. It can support biodiversity by creating a mosaic of different successional stages of vegetation. Furthermore, the practice aligns with traditional knowledge systems and local environmental conditions. However, increased population pressure and shortened fallow periods can lead to environmental degradation, deforestation, and soil erosion.

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8+ Food Desert Definition AP Human Geo: Key Facts

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food desert definition ap human geography

8+ Food Desert Definition AP Human Geo: Key Facts

A geographic area where access to affordable, healthy food options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, is limited or nonexistent. This is often due to the absence of grocery stores, supermarkets, and other retailers selling nutritious foods, forcing residents to rely on convenience stores or fast-food restaurants with predominantly processed and less healthy offerings. An example includes low-income neighborhoods, both urban and rural, lacking major grocery chains within a reasonable distance, thus impacting the dietary habits and health outcomes of the population.

Understanding the concept is crucial in human geography as it highlights the spatial inequalities in food access and their implications for public health, economic development, and social well-being. Historically, factors such as urban planning decisions, economic disinvestment, and racial segregation have contributed to the formation of these areas. Addressing these disparities is essential for promoting food security and creating more equitable and sustainable communities.

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AP Human Geo: Imperialism Definition + Key Facts

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imperialism definition ap human geography

AP Human Geo: Imperialism Definition + Key Facts

The extension of a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force is a core concept within the study of human geography. This process often results in the establishment of an empire, where a dominant state exerts political, economic, and cultural control over other territories. A historical example includes the British Empire’s control over vast regions of Africa and Asia, impacting their governance, economies, and social structures.

Understanding the dynamics of this expansion is crucial for analyzing global power structures and their historical legacies. It provides insights into contemporary geopolitical landscapes, trade patterns, and cultural diffusion. The benefits to the imperial power typically involved access to resources, expanded markets, and increased political leverage. However, the consequences for the colonized territories often included exploitation, loss of autonomy, and the imposition of foreign systems.

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7+ Superimposed Boundary AP Human Geography: Definition & More

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superimposed boundary ap human geography definition

7+ Superimposed Boundary AP Human Geography: Definition & More

A border established through colonization or by powerful outside forces without regard to pre-existing cultural or physical landscapes is a key concept in political geography. This type of border often disregards existing ethnic, religious, or linguistic distributions, and may disrupt traditional patterns of land use and resource access. The partition of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century, specifically during the Berlin Conference, exemplifies this process. European nations arbitrarily drew lines on the map to demarcate their colonial territories, frequently uniting disparate groups within a single colony or dividing cohesive cultural regions.

The imposition of these lines carries significant long-term consequences. It frequently leads to internal conflict and political instability as different ethnic or religious groups, forced to coexist within the same political entity, compete for power and resources. Furthermore, it can create or exacerbate cross-border tensions as populations with shared cultural ties find themselves separated by an artificial line. The legacy of such divisions often endures long after the colonial powers have departed, contributing to enduring political and social challenges. These manufactured lines often fail to promote stability and can actively hinder development.

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AP Human Geo: Megacities Definition Explained!

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megacities definition ap human geography

AP Human Geo: Megacities Definition Explained!

A metropolitan area with a total population exceeding 10 million residents constitutes a significant urban agglomeration. These areas are characterized by high population density, extensive infrastructure networks, and complex socio-economic systems. Tokyo, Japan, serves as a prominent example, boasting a population significantly surpassing the stated threshold.

The study of these urban centers is crucial within population geography due to their substantial impact on global resource consumption, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Historically, the emergence of these large urban areas reflects patterns of migration, industrialization, and globalization, shaping demographic landscapes and influencing cultural diffusion across regions.

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8+ AP Human Geo: Migration Definition + Examples

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migration definition ap human geography

8+ AP Human Geo: Migration Definition + Examples

The permanent or semi-permanent relocation of people from one place to another constitutes a fundamental process shaping population distribution and cultural landscapes. This movement can occur across various scales, ranging from intraregional shifts within a country to international movements spanning continents. Consideration of factors such as push and pull forces, intervening obstacles, and the characteristics of migrants themselves is essential when analyzing this complex phenomenon. For instance, the movement of individuals from rural areas to urban centers in search of economic opportunities exemplifies this concept.

Understanding population movements is crucial for comprehending demographic changes, cultural diffusion, and economic development. Historically, large-scale population shifts have resulted in significant transformations in both sending and receiving regions. Examining historical events, such as the Great Migration within the United States or the waves of European emigration to the Americas, reveals the profound impact of human mobility on societal structures, resource allocation, and cultural identities. Such population dynamics impact economies, requiring adjustments in labor markets and infrastructure.

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AP Human Geo: Mercosur Definition & Impact (Quick!)

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mercosur definition ap human geography

AP Human Geo: Mercosur Definition & Impact (Quick!)

A regional trade agreement primarily focused on South America. It aims to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people, and currency. An example of its function is the elimination of tariffs between member nations on a range of goods, encouraging economic integration and development within the South American region.

Its significance lies in its attempt to foster economic growth and stability within the member states. The agreement endeavors to increase bargaining power on the global stage and promote political cooperation. Historically, such agreements have striven to overcome trade barriers and to build stronger inter-regional relationships to spur development.

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AP Human Geo: Cohort Definition + Examples

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cohort definition ap human geography

AP Human Geo: Cohort Definition + Examples

A group of individuals sharing a common characteristic or experiencing a similar event within a defined period represents a significant unit of analysis. This group often shares birth years, graduations, or entry into a specific program. For example, all students who began high school in the same year constitute such a grouping; likewise, all individuals born in a particular decade can be considered one as well. This shared experience allows for the examination of trends and changes over time.

The utility of studying such groups stems from the ability to trace their collective journey through different life stages and historical events. Analyzing their experiences allows researchers to identify patterns in behavior, attitudes, and outcomes that may be influenced by shared contexts, policy changes, or technological advancements. Examining successive formations enables comparison across generations, shedding light on societal shifts and their effects on population dynamics. This comparative analysis is crucial for understanding demographic evolution and its consequences.

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AP Human Geo: Monocropping Definition + Examples

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monocropping definition ap human geography

AP Human Geo: Monocropping Definition + Examples

The agricultural practice of cultivating a single crop species in a field during multiple consecutive growing seasons is a prevalent technique. This method, often seen in large-scale farming operations, concentrates resources and efforts on maximizing the yield of a specific commodity. An example includes consistently planting corn on the same land, year after year.

This specialized agricultural approach can offer short-term economic benefits, such as increased efficiency in planting, harvesting, and processing due to uniformity. Historically, it has played a significant role in meeting growing global demands for specific food staples and industrial raw materials. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential for reduced biodiversity, increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, and depletion of soil nutrients associated with this approach.

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