AP Human Geography Flashcards

Human Geography Concepts

• Human Geography: Examines human interactions with the environment and spatial distributions of activities.
• Physical Geography: Focuses on natural features of the Earth's surface.
• Absolute Location: The precise geographical coordinates of a place.
• Relative Location: The position of a place in relation to other locations.
• Spatial Perspective: A geographer's approach to understanding the arrangement of phenomena across space.

Maps and Representations

• Map: A two-dimensional representation of the Earth's surface.
• Mental Map: An individual's personal perception and understanding of a geographical area.

Spatial Distribution and Patterns

• Distribution: Frequency and occurrence of phenomena across space.
• Pattern: A consistent arrangement or design of objects or features in a given area.

Geographic Regions

• Formal Region: Identified by uniform characteristics or phenomena.
• Functional (Nodal) Region: Regions interconnected through specific functions or influences.
• Perceptual (Vernacular) Region: Defined by people's perceptions or cultural beliefs.

Geographic Techniques

• Remote Sensing: Collecting data about objects from a distance using specialized instruments.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Software that stores and visualizes geographic data through maps.

Cultural Dynamics and Diffusion

• Diffusion: The process of cultural elements spreading from one area to another.
• Expansion Diffusion: Cultural spread that remains strong in its origin while reaching new areas.
• Relocation Diffusion: Involves the physical movement of people adopting culture to new locations.
• Acculturation: Weaker cultures adopt traits from a dominant culture.
• Assimilation: Complete erasure of a weaker culture’s original traits, replaced by a dominant culture.
• Transculturation: Equal exchange of cultural traits between cultures without dominance.

Types of Diffusion

• Contagious Diffusion: Widespread adoption from proximity to the origin point.
• Hierarchical Diffusion: Spread of ideas from higher-status locations or people to others in a structured manner.
• Independent Invention: Similar innovations arising independently across different cultures.

Cultural Theories

• Environmental Determinism: Belief that human behavior is influenced or controlled by the physical environment.
• Possibilism: Suggests the environment limits choices but does not dictate them.

Culture Fundamentals

• Culture: Encompasses the collective knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of societal members.
• Cultural Diffusion: The process through which cultural practices spread.
• Cultural Landscape: The physical imprint of human interaction within an environment.
• Culture Hearth: Origins of cultural innovations from which elements spread.
• Culture Trait: An individual component or element of a culture’s practices.
• Culture Complex: A unique blend of cultural traits specific to a group.
• Culture Realm: Regions characterized by interconnected culture systems.
• Culture Region: Areas where common cultural traits are prevalent.
• Culture System: A collection of complexes shaping a group’s common identity.

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on all terms related to AP Human Geography. This quiz covers key concepts including human geography, physical geography, and more. Perfect for students preparing for exams or looking to strengthen their understanding of geographic principles.