AP Human Geography: Environmental Determinism Quiz & Flashcards

Study Notes

Environmental Determinism and Possibilism

Theories explain the extent to which geography influences culture.
Environmental determinism suggests geographical factors dictate cultural characteristics and human behavior.

Environmental Determinism Examples

Tropical climates are associated with relaxed attitudes in society.
Middle latitudes, with diverse weather patterns, encourage a stronger work ethic among inhabitants.
Cold climates are thought to produce harsh and brutish people.

Critique of Environmental Determinism

Carl Sauer identified flaws in the environmental determinism theory during the 1920s, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of human-environment interactions.

Prevalence of Theories

Possibilism is more widely accepted than environmental determinism, emphasizing the role of human agency in adapting to environmental constraints.

Possibilism Example

The Valens Aqueduct in Istanbul transported fresh water from 400 miles away, exemplifying human ingenuity in overcoming environmental limitations.
The Dominican Republic serves as another example of how human innovation can adapt to geographical challenges.

Haiti

Represents a case study in environmental determinism, illustrating how geographical factors can ostensibly influence cultural and societal outcomes.

Description

Explore the concepts of environmental determinism and possibilism in geography and their influence on culture. This quiz covers key definitions, examples, and important figures associated with these theories. Test your understanding of how geography shapes human behavior and societal development.