AP Human Geography Chapter 1 Vocab Review

Key Vocabulary from Human Geography

• Resource

  • Substance in the environment useful to people
  • Must be economically feasible and socially acceptable
  • Example: Land for crop production

• Sustainability

  • Using Earth's resources to ensure future availability
  • Example: Solar energy to maintain fuel sources like coal and gas

• Renewable Resource

  • Produced in nature faster than human consumption
  • Example: Oxygen replenished more rapidly than used

• Nonrenewable Resource

  • Produced in nature slower than human consumption
  • Example: Coal, consumed faster than it can be formed

• Conservation

  • Sustainable management of natural resources to meet human needs
  • Example: Planting flowers for bees to support pollination

• Preservation

  • Maintaining resources in their current state with minimal human impact
  • Example: Cleaning up streams to protect water quality

• Biotic

  • Systems composed of living organisms
  • Example: The biosphere includes all plants and animals

• Abiotic

  • Systems composed of non-living or inorganic matter
  • Example: The hydrosphere pertains to water and its forms

• Atmosphere

  • Thin layer of gases surrounding Earth
  • Example: Water vapor in the atmosphere contributes to precipitation

• Hydrosphere

  • Water in liquid form (oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater)
  • Also includes water vapor contributing to weather phenomena

• Lithosphere

  • Crust and upper mantle of Earth
  • Extends about 45 miles deep beneath the crust

• Biosphere

  • Totality of living organisms on Earth, including plants and animals
  • Only biotic system among the four spheres

• Climate

  • Long-term average weather conditions in a specific area
  • Example: Arctic climate characterized by cold winters and cool summers

• Ecosystem

  • Interaction among living organisms and the abiotic spheres
  • Example: Lithosphere provides materials for human structures

• Ecology

  • Scientific study concerning ecosystems and their interactions
  • Study of effects like pollution in the atmosphere

• Cultural Ecology

  • Geographic study of human-environment relationships
  • Example: Alaskans may prefer skiing over surfing due to environmental factors

• Environmental Determinism

  • Theory that physical environment influences social development
  • Associated with geographers Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Ritter

Test your knowledge of key vocabulary from Chapter 1, Key Issue 4 of AP Human Geography. This quiz covers essential terms such as 'Resource' and 'Sustainability' that are crucial for understanding the subject. Use this as a tool to reinforce your learning and prepare for exams.