9 - Human Interaction with Nature, Resources, and the Earth's Physical Aspects

Question 1

Define:

ecosystem

Answer 1

The combination of all living and nonliving organisms and environments that contribute to the overall function and sustenance of the system as a whole.

Includes plants, animals, land, soil, water, air and the biosphere.

Question 2

Identify:

The percentage of discovered plant species that are endangered according to the Royal Botanic Gardens

Answer 2

22% of the total 380,000 discovered plant species.

This highlights the impact of human activities on plant biodiversity.

Question 3

Identify:

The single greatest threat to biodiversity.

Answer 3

Human alteration of habitats.

Due to activities like deforestation, over-harvesting, fossil fuel use, agriculture, urban construction and pollution.

Question 4

Identify:

4 greenhouse gases contributing to global warming.

Answer 4

1. Water vapor
2. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
3. Nitrous oxide
4. Methane

Question 5

Identify:

What is the percentage increase in global average temperature since 1975?

Answer 5

0.2 degrees Celsius per decade due to fossil fuel use.

Question 6

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Answer 6

It reduces the Earth’s ability to absorb CO₂, increasing global warming.

Question 7

Define:

over-harvesting

Answer 7

The process of harvesting organisms and resources faster than their populations can recover.

Question 8

Identify:

What is the projected human population by 2050?

Answer 8

9.9 billion people

Question 9

Identify:

5 major impacts humans have on the environment.

Answer 9

1. Deforestation
2. Global warming
3. Overharvesting
4. Pollution
5. Agriculture

Question 10

Identify:

3 ways humans are attempting to reverse issues related to climate change.

Answer 10

1. Reforestation
2. Using clean energy.
3. Protecting natural preserves and forests.

Question 11

Explain:

One way to counter the harmful effects of agriculture.

Answer 11

Encouraging the use of sustainable agricultural techniques.

Question 12

Define:

cultural geography

Answer 12

The study of the impact of environment on tradition and vice versa.

It examines how human traditions are influenced by their surroundings.

Question 13

Define:

environmental determinism

Answer 13

The belief that the environment determines how a culture will develop.

This idea was popular in the 19th century and often justified imperialism and racism.

Question 14

Explain:

What replaced environmental determinism in the 20th century?

Answer 14

environmental possibilism

This belief suggests that the environment places limits on people but does not determine their behavior.

Question 15

Define:

cultural ecology

Answer 15

The study of how people use culture to adapt to their environment.

It examines the interaction between human traditions and the ecological limits imposed by the environment.

Question 16

Explain:

What is an example of cultural ecology?

Answer 16

Cross-country skiing in Alaska.

This activity is popular due to the snowy environment, which influences cultural practices.

Question 17

Explain:

adaptation

Answer 17

The process by which early hominids overcame challenges and aided in species success.

Adaptation includes both biological and non-biological changes to enhance survival.

Question 18

Identify:

Two types of human adaptation.

Answer 18

• Biological adaptation
• Non-biological adaptation

Biological adaptation refers to evolutionary changes, while non-biological adaptation involves altering the environment.

Question 19

Identify:

The period in which the beginnings of humankind occurred.

Answer 19

Paleolithic period

(2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago)

This period marks the early development of human species and tools.

Question 20

Identify:

3 species of early hominids.

Answer 20

1. Homo habilis
2. Homo erectus
3. Homo neanderthalensis

These species were primarily nomadic hunter/gatherers.

Question 21

Identify:

What tool-related adaptation did early hominids use as early as 2.6 million years ago?

Answer 21

Stones as tools.

These tools aided in hunting, butchery, food processing and protection.

Question 22

Identify:

A significant development that occurred approximately 800,000 years ago in human adaptation

Answer 22

Use of fire for cooking.

Cooking with fire made more nutrients available in food.

Question 23

Identify:

What marks the start of human civilization according to the Neolithic era?

Answer 23

Learning to farm.

This transition occurred first in ancient Mesopotamia between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago.

Question 24

Identify:

3 benefits of agriculture for early Homo sapiens.

Answer 24

1. Food security
2. Population growth
3. Development of cultures and societies

Agriculture allowed for a stable food supply, leading to larger settlements.

Question 25

# Define: irrigation

Answer 25

The process of **diverting water** from a water source to a location without water. ## Footnote It is crucial for successful agriculture.

Question 26

# Identify: 3 **civilizations** known for developing **aqueduct systems**.

Answer 26

1. Ancient Egyptians 1. Greeks 1. Romans ## Footnote Aqueducts transported water from distant sources to urban centers.

Question 27

# Explain: What were the benefits larger brains provided to **early hominids**?

Answer 27

* **Adapt** to changing climates. * Enabled **complex thought** and **problem-solving**. ## Footnote This adaptation occurred **between 800,000 and 200,000 years ago** during rapid climate changes.

Question 28

# Identify: 2 examples of **biological adaptations in humans**.

Answer 28

1. Opposable thumbs 1. Increased lung capacity ## Footnote These adaptations have provided advantages in survival and practicality.

Question 29

# Identify: One main **reason for human success** as a species.

Answer 29

Agriculture ## Footnote It allowed humans to control food production and achieve food security.

Question 30

# Identify: 4 methods of **irrigation** developed by humans.

Answer 30

1. Digging ditches 1. Damming and flooding 1. Creating wells 1. Building aqueducts ## Footnote These methods were essential for farming in areas lacking natural water sources.

Question 31

# Define: geography

Answer 31

The systematic **study of the physical aspects of the Earth** and human activities. ## Footnote Geography also examines the **distribution of natural resources**, **cities and factories**; and the interaction between humans and the physical environment.

Question 32

# Define: cartography

Answer 32

The practice of **mapmaking**. ## Footnote The oldest known maps date from about 2,300 BC and were etched into Babylonian clay tablets.

Question 33

# Identify: Who created the **Mercator projection** in 1569?

Answer 33

**Gerardus Mercator**, a Flemish mapmaker. ## Footnote The Mercator projection improved the **accuracy of world maps** and uniquely represented north as up.

Question 34

# Explain: Mercator Projection

Answer 34

A **method of mapmaking** that presents north as up and exaggerates sizes of landmasses away from the equator. ## Footnote Example: It makes islands like Greenland appear larger than continents like Australia.

Question 35

# Define: GPS

Answer 35

The **Global Positioning System**, a satellite-based navigation system. ## Footnote GPS emerged from tracking the USSR's Sputnik satellite and is integral to daily life for billions.

Question 36

# Identify: The name of the first **global satellite navigation system**.

Answer 36

**Transit**, launched in 1958. ## Footnote It improved map accuracy and was retired in 1996 when the GPS was rolled out.

Question 37

# Define: GIS

Answer 37

**Geographical Information System**, which integrates GPS data with other information. ## Footnote GIS is used to communicate and share information that has a geographic component.

Question 38

# Describe: theodolite

Answer 38

* **Resembles a telescope** mounted on a tripod. * Basic **geography tool** used in civil engineering for **surveying and collecting high-precision measurements**.

Question 39

# Define: remote sensing

Answer 39

A geography tool that uses aerial or satellite sensors to **detect large areas**. ## Footnote It has applications in various fields, including firefighting, urban planning and anthropology.

Question 40

# Identify: What are **tools** a **geographer** uses?

Answer 40

* Maps * GPS * GIS * Theodolites * Remote sensors ## Footnote Geographers also rely on surveys and censuses for social information.

Question 41

# Explain: What are **geographic coordinates**?

Answer 41

A set of **numerical values** that accurately **identify positions on Earth** based on latitude, longitude and elevation. ## Footnote Geographic coordinates are essential for navigation and mapping.

Question 42

# Define: Geographical Coordinate System | (GCS)

Answer 42

* System used to define locations on the Earth's surface. * Employs a three-dimensional spherical or spheroidal model of the Earth. * Utilizes a grid of imaginary lines to pinpoint specific points. ## Footnote GCS is used for **measuring and communicating positions** on Earth's surface.

Question 43

# Explain: The main difference between Geographic Coordinate System (**GCS**) and **Cartesian coordinate system**.

Answer 43

GCS uses latitude and longitude, while Cartesian uses x and y axes. ## Footnote GCS is suitable for global measurements, while Cartesian is limited to small areas.

Question 44

# Define: latitude

Answer 44

Angular distance measured **north or south** in reference to the **equator**. ## Footnote Latitude is defined with the equator as 0-degrees and ranges from 0 to 90-degrees North or South.

Question 45

# Define: longitude

Answer 45

Angular distance measured **east or west** in reference to the prime **meridian**. ## Footnote Longitude is defined with the prime meridian as 0-degrees and ranges from 0 to 90-degrees East or West.

Question 46

# Identify The name of the **0-degree latitude line**.

Answer 46

The Equator ## Footnote The equator separates the northern and southern hemispheres.

Question 47

# Identify: The name of the **0-degree longitude line**.

Answer 47

The Prime Meridian ## Footnote The prime meridian runs through Greenwich, England.

Question 48

# Define: elevation

Answer 48

A **measurement of a position's vertical distance** from sea level, defined as 0 meters. ## Footnote For example, the peak of Mt. Everest is ~8,849 meters above sea level.

Question 49

# Explain: The relationship between **degrees**, **minutes** and **seconds** in geographic measurements.

Answer 49

Angles are measured in degrees, minutes and seconds for both latitude and longitude. ## Footnote Each unit has specific distance equivalencies on Earth's surface.

Question 50

# Explain: How do **geographic coordinates** work?

Answer 50

By **using angular distances between a position**, Earth's equator, the center of the Earth and the prime meridian. ## Footnote Coordinates define positions on or above Earth's surface.

Question 51

# Explain: How can **geographic coordinates** be found?

Answer 51

Using **GPS** or **digital maps**, or by **measuring angles** manually. ## Footnote Manual measurement involves finding angles between the position and reference points.

Question 52

# Define: Mappa Mundi

Answer 52

A **13th-century world map** designed by British cartographers, representing medieval views of the world. ## Footnote It is circular, with Jerusalem at the center, and contains both real and mythical elements.

Question 53

# Identify: The 7 continents.

Answer 53

1. North America 1. South America 1. Eurasia 1. Africa 1. Australia 1. Oceania 1. Antarctica

Question 54

# Define: administrative regions

Answer 54

Areas governed by the same **political** or **economic** authority. ## Footnote Example: The entire United States is an administrative region.

Question 55

# Define: formal regions

Answer 55

Regions assigned by geographers based on **shared traits**, either **physical** or **cultural**. ## Footnote Traits may include altitude, language or religion.

Question 56

# Define: functional regions

Answer 56

Areas organized by **function** or **purpose**, such as neighborhoods served by a **common service**. ## Footnote Example: Neighborhoods serviced by the same water processing plant.

Question 57

# Define: vernacular regions

Answer 57

**Regions perceived as similar**, regardless of actual differences. ## Footnote Example: The American South is viewed as a cohesive region despite its diversity.

Question 58

# Identify: The geographical area **North America** covers.

Answer 58

It includes **Canada**, the **United States** and **Mexico**. ## Footnote Its climates range from continental to subtropical to dry deserts.

Question 59

# Identify: Where is **Africa** located and what are its **climate zones**?

Answer 59

* Eastern Hemisphere * Dry deserts to tropical rainforests ## Footnote The Sahara Desert is a major climatic division.

Question 60

# Identify: What distinguishes **Eurasia** from other continents?

Answer 60

* Eurasia is the **largest continent**, combining **Europe** and **Asia**. * Located in the Eastern Hemisphere. ## Footnote It has varied climates, including Mediterranean and subtropical.

Question 61

# Identify: What is unique about **Australia** as a **geographical region**?

Answer 61

* Australia is **both a country and a continent** * Primarily located in the **Eastern Hemisphere**. * Referred to as **Oceania** when including the surrounding islands in the Pacific region.

Question 62

# Identify: Characteristics of **Antarctica**.

Answer 62

It is characterized by its **arctic climate** and **lack of permanent human civilization**. ## Footnote It surrounds the southern pole of the planet.

Question 63

# Identify: What is included in **Oceania**?

Answer 63

* Polynesia * Micronesia * Melanesia * Australasia ## Footnote Most of Oceania has a tropical climate, except for subtropical New Zealand.

Question 64

# Identify: What are **criticisms** that arise from **how geographers classify regions**?

Answer 64

* **Oversimplification** of diverse areas. * Development of human **biases**. * **Lack of flexibility** in understanding geography. ## Footnote These challenges can obscure significant differences between cultures and climates.

Question 65

# Explain The significance of **understanding world regions**.

Answer 65

It helps in comprehending **human-human** and **human-nature interactions**. ## Footnote Despite challenges, the benefits of regional understanding outweigh the drawbacks.

Question 66

# Define: map projection

Answer 66

The process of representing the ellipsoidal Earth surface onto a flat surface.

Question 67

# Identify: The 4 characteristics of **map projection**.

Answer 67

1. Area 1. Shape 1. Distance 1. Direction

Question 68

# Identify: What is the primary purpose of **map projection**?

Answer 68

To create an **easier way to measure distances**, calculate areas, determine azimuth and find the shortest route.

Question 69

# Identify: Shapes commonly used in **map projection**.

Answer 69

* Cylinder * Cone

Question 70

# Explain: What happens to the 4 characteristics of map projections during the projection process?

Answer 70

**One or more characteristics will inevitably be compromised** to preserve the remaining elements.

Question 71

# Define: scale

Answer 71

The **ratio** of the distance between two points on a map to their actual distance on the earth's surface.

Question 72

# Identify: 3 types of map projections.

Answer 72

* Azimuthal projection * Conformal projection * Equal-area projection

Question 73

# Explain: What does the **Azimuthal Projection** preserve?

Answer 73

* Direction from the center of the map. * Relative distance to the center.

Question 74

# Explain: What does **Conformal Projection** preserve?

Answer 74

* Angles locally * Shape

Question 75

# Explain: What does **Equal-area Projection** preserve?

Answer 75

The **relative size** of features on the map.

Question 76

# Explain: An example of **Equal-area Projection**.

Answer 76

Albers Projection

Question 77

# Define: thematic map

Answer 77

**Maps that visualize information** such as population density using equal-area projection.

Question 78

# Explain: What impact do **rising greenhouse gases** have on the environment?

Answer 78

* Accelerates **climate change**. * Causes **species extinctions**. * **Reshapes natural habitats** through changes like rising sea levels, glacier melting, drought and more intense storms.