World Geography Midterm
Most people in the Caribbean live A. near capital cities or major ports. B. in the mountains. C. along the coastlines. D. on the leeward side of islands.
A.
Mountain ranges that run parallel to each other are A. cordilleras. B. altiplano. C. escarpment. D. llanos.
A.
Pluto is considered to be a(n) A. dwarf planet. B. gas giant planet. C. terrestrial planet. D. asteroid.
A.
The Atlantic Forest in Brazil now covers what percentage of its original land area? A. 10% B. 25% C. 75% D. 80%
A.
The United States is working to reduce air pollution by supporting renewable sources of energy for power, such as A. hydroelectricity. B. oil. C. coal. D. natural gas.
A.
The United States makes use of which factor of production when trading with China? A. labor B. goods C. services D. capital
A.
The availability of water in Mexico has been most affected by A. an increase in droughts due to climate change. B. the migration of people from urban to rural areas. C. the clearing of forests for agriculture. D. the small amount of land available for farming.
A.
The belief that one's devotion to one's state or country is more important than any other group is called A. nationalism. B. terrorism. C. internationalism. D. cultureless.
A.
The greater the number of different species of animals and plants in an environment, the greater the A. biodiversity of the environment. B. elevation of the region. C. distance of the environment from the Equator. D. precipitation in the climate.
A.
The source of a river, such as the Mississippi, is called its A. headwaters. B. tributary. C. divide. D. fall line.
A.
The source of power in a theocracy is A. religion. B. economics. C. the people. D. the queen.
A.
The spreading of cities into nearby undeveloped areas is known as A. urban sprawl. B. connectivity. C. infrastructure. D. urbanization.
A.
Thick, weathered soil in the tropics that is depleted of nutrients is called A. oxisol. B. volcanic soil. C. monosoil. D. topsoil.
A.
To be labeled a geographer, one must A. actively explore geography. B. serve as a geography teacher. C. always use maps. D. be consulted before construction projects.
A.
What causes population pressure? A. limited space and large populations that grow quickly B. an abundance of resources for the given population C. a single primate city instead of many D. civil wars and instability
A.
What causes rivers to swell as they flow toward a lake, gulf, sea, or ocean? A. water from tributaries B. water from lakes C. water from groundwater D. water from aquifers
A.
What drives the water cycle? A. the sun B. the wind C. precipitation D. condensation
A.
What had the most influence on the rise of civilizations from culture hearths? A. the agricultural revolution B. sources of water C. organized government D. irrigation
A.
What happened shortly after the United States gained independence from Great Britain? A. The United States doubled its size. B. Native Americans acquired more land. C. Civil war broke out between the North and the South. D. Settlers developed dry farming.
A.
Which of the following efforts will improve situations in urban areas in Central America and the Caribbean? A. limiting migration to cities B. encouraging job growth in cities C. decreasing environmental laws D. allowing industry to operate freely
A.
Which of the following is NOT an effect of acid rain? A. a visible haze of chemicals B. waters that are unable to support life C. corrosion of stone and metal buildings D. soil pollution
A.
Which of the following is NOT contaminated by acid rain? A. waste water from heavy metals and pesticides B. water sources far from the source of pollution C. Canada's sugar maple tree population D. Canadian timber and water resources
A.
Which of the following is a result of overfishing? A. a diminished fish supply B. a replenished fish supply C. an overpopulation of Pacific salmon D. an economic benefit to Canada's fishing industry
A.
How do geographers use numerical measurement in their research? A. observing the landscape of a tundra B. determining landform sizes from satellite images C. asking questions of individuals who are part of a group D. studying age, ethnicity, and gender in a region
B.
How does a growing urban population contribute to pollution? A. People in cities use more water. B. More people in cities drive cars. C. Waste is moved from cities to rural areas. D. There are no regulations on pollution.
B.
How does the price of gold affect the environment in Peru? A. The higher the price of gold, the less pollution and deforestation. B. The higher the price of gold, the more pollution and deforestation. C. The lower the price of gold, the more pollution and deforestation. D. The price of gold does not affect the environment.
B.
How has soil in Central America and the Caribbean changed in the last 300 years? A. It has increased in volume. B. It has become less fertile. C. It has become more nutrient-rich. D. It has improved through fertilization.
B.
How have cultural contacts, such as the Internet, affected the world's cultures? A. by encouraging migration B. by promoting cultural change C. by spreading war D. by spreading industry
B.
How is geography related to political patterns? A. Governments rely on geographers to provide an analysis of census data. B. Analysis of political decisions emphasize changing boundary lines and government systems. C. Governments rely on geographers to analyze the effectiveness of emergency communication systems. D. Analysis of geographic information informs politically-driven tax policies.
B.
In a command economy, economic activity is controlled by A. the industries. B. the government. C. the people. D. the business owners.
B.
In addition to physical geography, what else is a factor in defining countries' political borders? A. level of economic development B. distribution of natural resources C. vertical climate zone D. level of infrastructure
B.
Which is true about subduction? A. It involves two oceanic plates colliding. B. It involves an oceanic plate moving beneath a continental plate. C. It involves two continental plates colliding. D. It involves a continental plate moving beneath an oceanic plate.
B.
Which of the following best describes how climates and ecosystems of some parts of Central America further from the Equator change with elevation? A. The higher the elevation, the wetter the climate. B. The higher the elevation, the warmer the climate. C. The higher the elevation, the colder the climate. D. The higher the elevation, the greater the biodiversity.
C.
Which of the following best describes how the population in Central America changed in the 1900s? A. It doubled in size. B. It decreased due to outmigration. C. It quadrupled in size. D. It resulted in less population pressure.
C.
Which of the following describes a challenge presented by Canada's population? A. the cost of child care in rural areas B. increased pollution and high crime in cities C. the cost of government-funded health care D. lack of housing in urban areas
C.
Which of the following factors has had the greatest influence on cultural diversity in the United States? A. economic wealth B. religious freedom C. immigration D. political freedom
C.
Which of the following has NOT led to deforestation in Mexico? A. ignorance of the consequences of environmental mismanagement B. clearing land for settlement C. increased rainfall D. clearing land to create new areas to grow food
C.
Which of the following has had the greatest impact on South America's physical geography? A. its position between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans B. its numerous, large water systems C. the heavy tectonic activity in the area D. its many mountain systems
C.
How have free-trade agreements affected the environment in Central America and the Caribbean? A. A greater demand for food has increased the need for land. B. More vehicles on the streets contribute exhaust. C. New factories have increased air pollution. D. Stricter laws have reduced waste.
C.
In which of the following climate zones are apples most likely to be grown? A. Tierra Caliente B. Tierra Templada C. Tierra Fria D. Tierra Helada
C.
In which region might you come across doldrums? A. In either the North or the South Pole B. South of the Tropic of Capricorn C. Near the Equator D. North of the Tropic of Cancer
C.
Many immigrants moved to the United States in the late 1800s to A. form megalopolises. B. live in the Sunbelt states. C. help build the railroads. D. work in technical industries.
C.
Most of Central America was colonized by A. the Netherlands. B. France. C. Spain. D. Great Britain.
C.
On what type of physical feature is Mexico located? A. a peninsula B. a plateau C. a land bridge D. a group of highlands
C.
Population density is the average number of people A. living in countries with smaller land areas. B. living in rural areas. C. living on a square mile or square kilometer of land. D. living in cities.
C.
Terrorism in the Israeli-Palestian conflict is based on A. economics. B. government suppression. C. the division of land. D. religious persecution.
C.
The Canadian Shield is a giant A. mountain system. B. glacier. C. core of rock. D. tectonic plate.
C.
The same group who controlled Mexico's wealth for many centuries still controls most of Mexico's wealth. Which group is this? A. the cartels B. the Catholic clergy C. a small group of landowners D. caudillos
C.
The theory that a city grows outward from a central point in a series of rings is known as the A .multiple nuclei model. B. sector model. C. concentric zone model. D. structure model.
C.
What can be learned from a population pyramid? A. the natural increase of the population of a country B. the doubling time of the population for a country C. a country's stage in the demographic transition model D. the population density of a country
C.
What creates ridges and islands when plates spread apart? A. erosion B. faulting C. magma D. subduction
C.
What determines the direction of prevailing winds? A. Rising air near the Equator B. Calm areas at the edge of the Tropics C. Latitude and the Earth's movement D. Diagonal movement of air
C.
What does the word equinox mean? A. The number of days Earth revolves around the sun. B. The condition of the atmosphere in one place. C. The days of the year that daytime and nighttime hours are equal. D. An imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth.
C.
What happens to the Poles on a Robinson projection? A. their shape appears to be perfectly maintained B. they appear to be significantly larger areas C. they appear to be slightly flattened D. their distance from the Equator appears longer than it actually is
C.
What is cultural diffusion? A. cultures that have certain traits in common B. an early center of civilization C. the spread of knowledge between cultures D. a common language
C.
What keeps humidity levels high in a humid subtropical climate? A. Ocean winds that bring cool summers and wet winters B. The proximity between about 30°N and 60°N and 30°S and 60°S latitude C. Wind patterns and high pressure from nearby oceans D. The varying temperature ranges from winter to summer by 120° F (49°C)
C.
What was the purpose of NAFTA? A. to curb the illegal drug trade in Mexico B. to provide more industry-based jobs for Mexican workers C. to eliminate trade barriers between Mexico, the United States, and Canada D. to encourage more foreign countries to invest in Mexico
C.
What was the purpose of the Clean Water Act? A. to monitor the environmental effects of NAFTA B. to protect the Great Lakes from asbestos dumping C. to restore the quality of water throughout the United States D. to address water pollution along the Rio Grande
C.
When do the North Pole and the South Pole receive nearly continuous, but indirect, sunlight? A. When either the Northern or the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. B. When the midlatitude zone faces the sun, receiving direct rays. C. When either the Northern or the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. D. When the low latitude zone faces the sun, receiving indirect rays.
C.
Where is 97 percent of the world's water found? A. in bays B. in streams C. in oceans D. in lakes and rivers
C.
Which function is part of the economic base of a city? A. a bridge B. a museum C. a clothing store D. a school
C.
Which is an example of a monarch? A. the Prime Minister of Great Britain B. the President of the United States C. the King of Saudi Arabia D. the Chancellor of Germany
C.
Which is an example of how government is influenced by geography? A. a geometric boundary B. a religious boundary C. a natural boundary D. a cultural boundary
C.
Which layer of Earth includes Earth's surface? A. the mantle B. the inner core C. the crust D. the outer core
C.
Which of the following South American religions combines West African religions with Roman Catholicism? A. Buddhism B. Hinduism C. Macumba D. Eastern Orthodoxy
C.
Which of the following best describes arts and culture in Mexico today? A. the same as arts and culture in the United States B. nearly identical to European arts and culture C. a blend of indigenous cultures and Spanish heritage D. representing only indigenous cultures
C.
Why is Canada's boreal forest important to the environment? A. It provides a valuable water supply to native populations. B. It keeps carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. C. It provides a barrier from acid rain pollution. D. Its seedling development lowers the amount of dead maple leaves.
B.
In what areas of Mexico is the population density greatest? A. Copper Canyon and the Sierra Madre Occidental B. the Yucatan Peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico C. the Gulf Coastal Plain and the Sierra Madre Oriental D. the Central Plateau and the Southern Highlands
D.
Mexicans of mixed Spanish and indigenous heritage are A. Mayan. B. maquiladoras. C. conquistadors. D. mestizos.
D.
Most people in South America make a living in A. investments. B. manufacturing. C. service or tourism industries. D. agriculture or natural resources.
D.
Soil eroded by the construction of hotels ends up in the sea resulting in A. erosion. B. fertilization. C. conservation. D. sedimentation.
D.
Some Canadians view NAFTA as a threat to their A. privacy. B. economy. C. security. D. culture.
D.
The Lempa River is a vital source of A. irrigation. B. commercial fish. C. marine life. D. hydroelectricity.
D.
The majority of Argentines are descended from A. American and Mexican immigrants. B. Japanese and Australian immigrants. C. Chinese and Indian immigrants. D. Spanish and Italian immigrants.
D.
The process by which land sinks and settles to a lower level due to different natural and human-caused factors is A. desertification. B. deforestation. C. sustainable development. D. land subsidence.
D.
The water that most people drink and use in their homes comes from A. polar ice caps. B. rivers and streams. C. glacial lakes. D. groundwater and aquifers.
D.
Upon what were the Moche, Mapuche, and Aymara societies based? A. mining B. silver and gold C. engineering D. agriculture
D.
What are some cities doing in an attempt to combat urban sprawl? A. providing incentives for large stores to move to the area B. allowing larger buildings to be built inside city centers C. decreasing the number of local businesses D. planning livable and walkable neighborhoods to better use the available land
D.
What area of Venezuela and Colombia provide grazing for cattle? A. the altiplano B. the cordillera C. the pampas D. the llanos
D.
What can be found in marine west coast climates? A. Permanently frozen subsoil known as permafrost. B. Limited vegetation with short grasses, mosses, and lichens. C. Primarily dry regions with an occasional oasis. D. Mixed forests, which have both coniferous and deciduous trees.
D.
What causes the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile to have an arid climate? A. warm ocean conditions B. El Nino winds C. low elevation D. a cold ocean current
D.
What determines the direction a river flows? A. a tributary B. a fall line C. a headwater D. a divide
D.
What factors naturally and predictably affect Earth's cycles of cooling and warming? A. Increased cloud cover B. Fewer forests C. Greenhouse gas emissions D. Factors such as solar flares and volcanic activity
D.
What is a primate city? A. a big city made up of several large and small cities B. a city built around a Spanish mission C. a city with over 1 million people D. a city that dominates a country's economy
D.
What is an archiplelago? A. a mountain range formed by volcanic activity B. a strip of land connecting two larger land masses C. a line of volcanoes D. a group or chain of islands
D.
What is the final stage of eutrophication of a body of water? A. depleted oxygen B. suffocation of fish C. increased algae growth D. dry land
D.
What is the primary cause of desertification? A. climate change B. drought C. too many oxisols in the soil D. mismanagement of land by human activities
D.
What was a result of efforts by the U.S. and Canadian governments to improve water quality? A. increased hydroelectric power B. increased sugar maple production C. a depletion of several salmon species D. the resurgence of some fish populations
D.
Where is most of the population of Central America located? A. along the coasts B. in agricultural areas C. near natural resources D. in highland cities and towns
D.
Which economy is based on the concept of free enterprise? A. a mixed economy B. a traditional economy C. a command economy D. a market economy
D.
Which factor has the greatest effect on soil building? A. time B. geology C. topography D. climate
D.
Which is a place where "edge" cities typically develop? A. next to fertile land B. near mountains C. in a rural area D. around a shopping mall
D.
Which is an example of a command economy? A. capitalism B. free market C. democracy D. socialism
D.
Which is an example of a pull factor? A. lack of economic opportunities B. war C. political persecution D. religious freedom
D.
Which is an example of an absolute location? A. south of London B. the Northern hemisphere C. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue D. 30°N latitude, 150°W longitude
D.
Which might cause death rates in a country to fall? A. zero population growth B. migration C. war D. improved healthcare
D.
Which modern day country was a culture hearth? A. Russia B. India C. Canada D. Iraq
D.
Which of the following best describes the movement of planets, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids? A. They move in different directions. B. They move faster than the speed of light. C. They move counterclockwise. D. They revolve around the Sun.
D.
Which of the following collects visual information about Earth? A. transmitters B. GPS C. GIS D. satellites
D.
Which of the following describes El Nino? A. The result of a process by which dry areas develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges B. A stream of seawater that flows in the oceans, caused by global winds at the Equator C. An annual pattern of strong winds and severe flooding in Southeast Asia and Australia D. A reversal of ocean currents and water temperatures in the mid-Pacific region
D.
Which of the following describes an example of a tropical wet climate? A. Wet and dry seasons and high year-round temperatures B. Warm summers with heavy rain, and harshly cold winters C. Hot and dry conditions with a small amount of plant and animal life D. Warm, humid air with an average daily temperature of 80°
D.
A planar projection map is most useful for A. finding the shortest distance between two places particularly at the Poles. B. visualizing overall shape and size of land. C. sea navigation. D. mapping the continents.
A.
About how much of Mexico's electricity is generated by oil and natural gas? A. about three-fourths B. about one-half C. about one-fourth D. about one-third
A.
An economy based on services and technology is referred to as A. postindustrial. B. manufacturing. C. agricultural. D. high-tech.
A.
An example of an external force of change is A. weathering. B. subduction. C. accretion. D. faulting.
A.
Cultural boundaries A. divide two groups of people with a different way of life. B. are formed by written agreements that separate nations. C. follow natural features such as rivers or mountains. D. are always permanent.
A.
Deforestation results in A. a decrease in biodiversity. B. an increase in natural resources. C. an increase in rural population. D. a decrease in exports.
A.
Desalination is most used A. in places where freshwater is scarce. B. in economically challenged countries. C. in areas where there are also freshwater facilities. D. in places where it will affect marine life the least.
A.
First Nations is a term for A. indigenous groups of Canada who are neither Inuit nor Metis. B. new countries with close ties to another country. C. the Arctic native peoples of North America. D. Quebec's French-speaking inhabitants.
A.
Glaciers have changed Canada's landscape by forming A. lakes, rivers, and streams. B. mountain ranges and steep hills. C. vast forests with valuable timber. D. a vast, uninhabitable wasteland.
A.
Groups of languages that have similar roots are known as A. language families. B. language clusters. C. language groups. D. language types.
A.
How can farmers slow the process of soil erosion from wind and water? A. grow cover crops B. apply lime C. add fertilizers D. plow more often
A.
How has the United States been affected by its mineral wealth? A. It sped industrialization and increased wealth. B. It led to less reliance on fossil fuels. C. It brought about changes in government. D. It increased the number of family businesses.
A.
In which type of government does the power belong to only one person? A. autocracy B. oligarchy C. theocracy D. democracy
A.
Mexico City is trying to reduce air pollution by getting people to A. ride bicycles instead of drive. B. buy carbon credts. C. use public transportation. D. move to rural areas.
A.
What is a biome? A. A major type of ecological community mainly defined by distinctive natural vegetation and animal groups B. A specific type of climate found in or near low latitudes in areas otherwise referred to as the Tropics C. A region that receives continual rainfall which strips the soil of its nutrients but contributes to thick vegetation D. Plant life that grows in a certain area if people have not changed the natural environment
A.
What is a maquiladora? A. a manufacturing plant in Mexico that is owned by a foreign company B. a free trade agreement between Mexico and another country C. an area in which trade restrictions do not apply D. a business center
A.
What is a potentially negative impact of the greenhouse effect? A. Leaking radiation could cause the Earth to become too warm. B. Parts of Northern Europe may become too cold to support livestock and agriculture. C. Not enough radiation will enter into Earth's atmosphere. D. The ocean's surface could become too cold, threatening marine life.
A.
What is a timberline? A. the elevation above which trees cannot grow B. an area covered by lichens and mosses C. a region where trees are harvested by lumber companies D. a line that separates grasslands and coniferous forests
A.
What is reforestation? A. the planting of young trees where land has been stripped B. the cutting down and burning of old growth forests C. the process of converting forest to farmland D. the development of new methods of logging
A.
What is the difference between latifundia and minifundia? A. Latifundia are large farms, and minifundia are small plots of land. B. Latifundia are worked by campesinos, and minifundia are run by corporations. C. Latifundia depend on labor, and minifundia depend on highly mechanized operations. D. Latifundia distribute land evenly among campesinos, and minifundia do not.
A.
What is the disadvantage of a map compared to a globe? A. A map distorts properties like distance. B. A map shows little detail. C. A map indicates actual distances. D. A map is very large.
A.
What is the effect of monoculture? A. The soil becomes depleted of nutrients. B. The soil washes away. C. The soil's fertility increases. D. The soil becomes useful for growing only one crop.
A.
What is the first step in the formation of a rain shadow? A. Warm, moist air from oceans is pushed upward. B. Hot, dry air causes dry areas or deserts on the leeward sides of mountains. C. Rising air cools and releases moisture in the form of precipitation. D. Precipitation falls on the windward side of the mountain.
A.
What is the force behind a traditional economy? A. the following of customs B. the government C. the free market D. capitalism
A.
What is the greatest value of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System? A. It allows materials to be transported to and from cities along the system. B. It provides a source of water for many cities and towns. C. It gives residents nearby recreational opportunities. D. It uncovered major deposits of natural resources.
A.
What is the importance of the Panama Canal? A. It drastically cuts transportation time from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. B. It generates hydroelectricity for Panama and surrounding countries. C. It provides water for drinking and irrigation. D. It is a major part of the drainage system of the surrounding land.
A.
What is the main factor that causes Earth's population distribution to be uneven? A. geography B. migration C. negative population growth D. rapid population growth
A.
What is the primary economic use of South America's rivers? A. transportation B. energy C. recreation D. drainage
A.
What is true of rivers and lakes in Northern Mexico? A. There are few of them, and they are small. B. They are famous for shrimp. C. They support diverse aquatic life. D. They are some of the longest and largest in the world.
A.
What problem do migrant workers contribute most directly to in large urban areas? A. a surplus labor force B. urban sprawl C. pollution D. loss of industry
A.
What was the purpose of the Underground Railroad? A. to help slaves find their way to freedom B. to ship crops from plantations in the South to factories in the North C. to abolish slavery D. to provide safe houses for soldiers fighting in the Civil War
A.
When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, they established the Catholic Church and began a process known as A. syncretism. B. Catholicism. C. republicanism. D. urbanism.
A.
Where are you most likely to find a city? A. near a water source B. in the desert C. on a large, open plain D. near other cities
A.
Which describes zero population growth? A. birthrate is higher than death rate by zero percent B. birthrate is higher than death rate by 60 percent C. death rate is higher than birthrate by 30 percent D. birthrate is lower than death rate by 50 percent
A.
Which is most likely to have the greatest effect on a landscape? A. glacial erosion B. wind erosion C. chemical weathering D. soil building
A.
Which natural landform joins two continents? A. Isthmus of Panama B. Continental shelf C. Suez Canal D. Sinai Peninsula
A.
Which of the following best describes Canada's society? A. multicultural with education and health care supported by the government B. dominated by a recent surge in European immigrants C. predominantly French-speaking population D. low literacy rates but high employment
A.
Which of the following best explains the economic similarities between the United States and Canada? A. Both countries maintain a market economy. B. Both countries' housing markets suffered from the 2008 recession. C. Unemployment rates in both countries have remained high. D. Both countries have a small federal deficit.
A.
Which of the following characteristics describe a chaparral biome? A. wet winters, dry summers, high winds, low-growing plants B. hot, daily rainfall, high humidity C. a comfortable temperature good for growing certain crops D. mild climate, low winds, tropical storms
A.
Which of the following is an example of how precipitation can affect and be affected by temperature? A. A sudden cloudburst cools off a hot summer day. B. Warm ocean currents bring warmer temperatures. C. Cold ocean currents cool the land that they pass. D. As clouds form and block the sun, the temperature drops.
A.
Which of the following issues makes it necessary to manage water resources responsibly? A. pollution B. migration C. erosion D. clear-cutting
A.
Which of the following statements accurately states the relationship between latitude and vegetation? A. Vegetation decreases as one moves toward higher latitudes. B. Vegetation decreases as one moves toward lower latitudes. C. Vegetation increases as one moves toward higher latitudes. D. Changes in latitude have very little effect on the amount of vegetation.
A.
Which of the following statements explains how elevation influences climate? A. The Earth's atmosphere thins as altitude increases, producing a colder climate. B. As elevation increases, temperatures rise. C. Mountains at higher elevations receive direct sunlight. D. Thinner air occurs at lower elevations, lowering temperatures.
A.
Which of the following terms describes days when the sun's rays directly hit the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn? A. solstice B. equinox C. midnight sun D. revolution
A.
Which of these jobs is a person most likely to have in a less developed country? A. farmer B. computer technician C. teacher D. government representative
A.
Why are fewer people needed in agriculture and manufacturing in more developed countries? A. they grow and produce more with modern technology B. developed countries are wealthier and can import goods C. people practice subsistence farming D. they have smaller populations and less need for goods
A.
Why do migrants in South America move to cities? A. They seek higher wages and better living conditions. B. They wish to live in an area of lower population density. C. They want greater access to transportation. D. They want to reduce brain drain.
A.
Why do the Andes have a cold climate even though they are located close to the Equator? A. They are at a higher elevation. B. They are affected by El Nino. C. They are affected by cool ocean conditions. D. They are in a different biome.
A.
Why don't all places on Earth receive the same amount of direct sunlight at the same place? A. The Earth's axis is tilted. B. The Earth receives sunlight in an unpredictable pattern. C. The Earth rotates from east to west. D. Weather in places changes over time.
A.
Which of the following is a major cause of deforestation? A. slash-and-burn farming B. increasing urban populations C. increasing erosion D. rapidly spreading disease
A. slash-and-burn farming
Which is a challenge faced by metropolitan areas? A. creativity B. overcrowding C. public transit D. infrastructure
B.
1.What is natural increase in a population? A. the movement of people from place to place B. the difference between an area's birthrate and its death rate C. the number of deaths per year for every 1,000 people D. the number of years it takes a population to double in size
B.
A local form of a language used in a particular place by a certain group is A. culture. B. a dialect. C. a primary language. D. a second language.
B.
A major hurdle to desalination is A. its taste. B. its cost. C. its availability. D. its usability.
B.
An example of an external factor that can affect cultural change is A. the invention of a new way of farming. B. a group of refugees from one country moving to another country. C. the leader of the major religion in an area stepping down. D. a shift from food gathering to food production.
B.
As part of the human systems element of geography, geographers might interview A. meteorologists in Antarctica. B. immigrants to the United States. C. satellite engineers in North America. D. cartographers in China.
B.
Earth is one of the four A. asteroids in the solar system. B. terrestrial planets. C. gas giant planets. D. dwarf planets.
B.
For what reason is the population of a city most likely to shrink? A. shift in culture B. loss of industry C. change in climate D. growth of suburbia
B.
How did California solve its water shortage problem? A. by lessening its dependence on fossil fuels B. by building aqueducts C. by rationing water and power D. by constructing wastewater treatment plants
B.
Individual provinces have addressed climate change by A. increasing hydroelectric power because of its high efficiency rate. B. passing legislation to support renewable energy and conservation. C. successfully protecting the Pacific salmon supply. D. signing the Kyoto Protocol to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
B.
Lakes and rivers are part of the A. lithosphere. B. hydrosphere. C .asthenosphere. D. atmosphere.
B.
Mexico is the world's leading producer of A. gold. B. silver. C. crude oil. D. lead.
B.
Mining, oil exploration, pipeline construction, and a decline in the demand for fur have led to A. higher numbers of Inuit, the Metis, and First Nation in major cities. B. increased reliance on government services by the Inuit. C. lower populations of the Metis near the U.S.-Canada border. D. a lack of diversity among groups in the Nunavut.
B.
Primary economic activities take place A. in factories. B. near natural resources. C. near city centers. D. at places of business.
B.
Rain, snow, and sleet are examples of A. erosion. B. precipitation. C. condensation. D. evaporation.
B.
The United States has the largest known reserves of which of the following resources? A. petroleum B. coal C. copper D. water
B.
The caudillos who ruled Mexico in the 1800s were similar to A. the mestizos who populated Central Mexico. B. the viceroys when Mexico was controlled by Spain. C. the Spanish settlers who grew cash crops to export to Europe. D. the Spanish settlers who owned large tracts of land.
B.
The country of Panama is on A. an archipelago. B. an isthmus. C. an island. D. a volcano.
B.
The physical processes that create most of Earth's physical features, including mountains, are known as A. accretion. B. plate tectonics. C. continental drift. D. subduction.
B.
The value of goods and services produced within a country in a year is its A. annual export. B. gross domestic product. C. total national product. D. yearly income.
B.
To find relative location, first find A. latitude lines. B. a reference point. C. longitude lines. D. a map projection.
B.
Urban growth puts the most strain on a city's A. hydroelectric dams. B. freshwater supply. C. forest resources. D. biodiversity.
B.
What caused large numbers of people to move to the Manufacturing Belt in the late 1800s? A. increased numbers of immigrants B. the Industrial Revolution C. the invention of dry farming D. the Agricultural Revolution
B.
What causes a phenomenon known as midnight sun? A. The sun hitting the Tropic of Capricorn once a year. B. The tilt of the Earth's axis as it revolves around the sun C. The sun directly hitting the Equator as the Earth rotates. D. The warming of Earth's surface due to radiation.
B.
What causes doldrums? A. Wind in a certain region blows in a fairly constant directional pattern. B. Horizontal movement of the trade winds subsides as warm air rises. C. Diagonal movement of prevailing winds increase in a region. D. Water vapor forms in the atmosphere from evaporated surface water.
B.
What causes leeward island areas in the Caribbean islands to have an extended dry season? A. latitude B. lack of easterly winds C. El Nino D. hurricanes
B.
What determines how much sunlight reaches different locations on Earth at different times of the year? A. The amount of sunlight in a seasonal pattern. B. Earth's revolution and its tilted axis. C. Direct sunlight on the Equator. D. Weather patterns typical for an area.
B.
What did the Inca use to account for financial and historical records? A. a cordillera B. a quipu C. a llano D. a pampas
B.
What effect did colonization have on the Native American population? A. It gave them great wealth. B. It nearly wiped out the Native American population. C. It brought them improved living conditions. D. It allowed them to prosper through trade.
B.
What has increased international trade in the Antillean regions of the Caribbean Sea? A. the numerous species of marine life such as manatee, dolphins, and sea turtles B. the utilization of marine resources and commercial fishing C. the tourism industry that benefits from the climate D. hydroelectricity generated from rivers flowing down from mountains
B.
What is brain drain? A. the movement of migrants from rural to urban areas B. the loss of highly educated and skilled workers to other countries C. the attempt to escape the violence of drug cartels D. the effort to find employment and suitable living conditions
B.
What is the growth of population in cities and the resulting changes called? A. industrialization B. urbanization C. revolution D. migration
B.
What is the main idea behind a multiple nuclei model? A. Certain areas of a city are more attractive than others. B. A city has more than one center of activity. C. A city develops in sectors. D. A city is structured in rings around a central hub.
B.
What is the source of thermal pollution? A. automobile exhaust B. heated industrial wastewater C. agricultural runoff D. illegal dumping of waste
B.
What physical process shaped the basins that formed the Great Lakes? A. volcanic eruption B. glacial activity C. lava flows D. tectonic plate movement
B.
When discussing places and regions, which is an example of a formal region? A. the French Riviera B. the Corn Belt C. the Great Lakes shipping industry D. the train system in Germany
B.
Where do most indigenous cultural groups live in South America today? A. in major cities like Buenos Aires B. in the Andes region of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia C. in the coastal regions of Brazil D. in the rain forests of South America's interior
B.
Which crop native to Mexico did landowners grow to export to Spain as a cash crop? A. potatoes B. cacao C. wheat D. beans
B.
Which of the following best describes conditions found in a high-latitude climate zone? A. mild, rainy winters; warm, dry summers B. year-round freezing temperatures and limited vegetation C. direct sunlight year-round with long summers, but cool temperatures D. cool summers and winters with abundant rainfall
B.
Which of the following describes Canada's climate? A. Natural weather hazards occur frequently. B. It varies from bitter cold to changing seasons. C. Most regions have dry winters and wet summers. D. Canada has a humid continental climate most of the year.
B.
Which of the following describes the western third of Canada's physical geography? A. covered by plains and lowlands B. dominated by the Pacific Ranges C. covered by the Canadian Shield D. dominated by the Appalachian Mountains
B.
Which of the following explains the impact of hydroelectricity? A. Its high cost makes drinking water expensive. B. It often requires damming, which impacts ecosystems. C. Its production releases carbon dioxide into the air. D. It causes acid rain, threatening nearby plant life.
B.
Which of the following human activities contributes directly to smog? A. pollution in groundwater B. driving a car C. eutrophication D. runoff from agricultural chemicals
B.
Which of the following is a cause of desertification in the northern part of Mexico? A. deforestation B. high demand for water resources C. pollution of water, air, and land D. sustainable development
B.
Which of the following is most accurately represented on a cylindrical projection map? A. the oceans B. the Equator C. the continents D. the Poles
B.
Which of the following might be considered an optimistic affect of rapid population growth? A. food shortage B. increased levels of technology C. increased levels of government D. housing shortage
B.
Which of the following regions experience a mostly Mediterranean climate? A. The southeastern United States, inland Brazil, China, and India B. Coastal regions of Greece, Italy, France, and Spain C. The southern coast of Chile, the British Isles, and the Pacific Coast of North America D. Regions with high levels of humidity
B.
Which of the following terms describes a family structure headed by a woman? A. patriarchal B. matriarchal C. nuclear D. extended
B.
Which of these landforms lies between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental? A. the Yucatan Peninsula B. the Mexican Plateau C. the Gulf Coastal Plain D. the Southern Highlands
B.
Which part of the biosphere provides oxygen? A. lithosphere B. atmosphere C. hydrosphere D. asthenosphere
B.
Which system of government divides powers between the national government and state or provincial governments? A. unitary system B. federal system C. autocratic system D. oligarchic system
B.
Which type of boundary frequently follows a straight line on a map and is often created based on a treaty? A. natural B. geometric C. cultural D. geographic
B.
Why are favelas a problem for cities dealing with urban pollution? A. They are illegal. B. They are not connected to sewage services. C. They create more waste than other areas. D. They contribute to deforestation.
B.
Why are gas giant planets sometimes reffered to as "mini solar systems"? A. They are not dense. B. They have moons. C. They are gaseous. D. They support life.
B.
Why did native populations decline in the 1500s and 1600s? A. Conflicts intensified between the Inuit and the Metis. B. Europeans claimed the land and diseases spread. C. English- and French-speaking groups feuded. D. Immigration led to overcrowding and poverty.
B.
Why did shipbuilding develop in the New England colonies? A. There was very little trade. B. There were many harbors and abundant timber. C. There was a short growing season. D. There were mild winters.
B.
Why did the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States cause other countries to also enter economic downturns? A. Other countries had invested heavily in subprime loans. B. The global economy is intertwined with the U.S. economy. C. Mortgage lenders were foreclosing on homes in other countries. D. The U.S. economy supports the entire global economy.
B.
Why do parts of the low latitude zone have warm to hot climates? A. The Earth's poles receive continuous, indirect sunlight. B. They receive direct rays from the sun year-round. C. The Earth's atmosphere thins as altitude increases. D. The lower the elevation, the higher the temperatures.
B.
Why do social systems develop? A. to uphold moral values B. to help people work together to meet basic needs C. to allow people to communicate with each other D. to provide order within a country
B.
Why does most of Brazil's population live along the coast? A. because of its proximity to the Amazon River B. because of an escarpment from the coast to the highlands C. because of the warmer climate on the coast D. because there is better grazing for livestock along the coast
B.
Why doesn't the total volume of water in the water cycle change? A. Water is constantly being made in the water cycle. B. The amount of water that evaporates is the same as the amount of water that falls back to Earth. C. The amount of water that condenses and falls to Earth is greater than the amount of water that evaporates. D. Water is a renewable resource.
B.
A cartographer wants to create a generalized map focused on a country in Africa and the surrounding countries that border it. What type of map should the cartographer make? A. a large-scale map B. a physical map C. a small-scale map D. a thematic map
C.
A condition in which some countries do not benefit as much as others from social and economic advancement is called A. stable development. B. level development. C. uneven development. D. urban development.
C.
A mathematical formula used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on the flat surface of a map is A. a cylindrical projection. B. a planar projection. C. a map projection. D. a conic projection.
C.
About 70% of Earth's surface is part of the A. biosphere. B. lithosphere. C. hydrosphere. D. atmosphere.
C.
Acid rain is caused by A. high levels of calcium in soils in the upper Great Lakes region. B. deforestation of Canada's sugar maple trees. C. industrial pollutants that rise into the atmosphere. D. increased decay of maple leaves on the forest floor.
C.
An example of a statistic geographers may study is A. the location of a mineral deposit. B. the customs practiced by a group of people. C. the climate trend of a specific region. D. the transportation system of a large city.
C.
An example of physical geography is A. the importance of human activities in relation to their environment. B. the importance of stabilizing the climate in the Arctic. C. the importance of water to farmers. D. the importance of stopping illegal logging.
C.
Canada is the third-largest producer of A. uranium. B. iron ore. C. hydroelectricity. D. petroleum.
C.
Canada was created as a A. province. B. territory. C. dominion. D. republic.
C.
During which period did people move to cities in the largest numbers? A. the Information Revolution B. the Agricultural Revolution C. the Industrial Revolution D. the Cultural Revolution
C.
How can desertification cause an increase in urbanization? A. People in cities use fewer resources. B. More land is cleared and developed as cities grow. C. People move to cities to find resources. D. Fewer people have to farm for a living.
C.
How did the Hawaiian Islands form? A. from ice and water B. from tectonic plate movement C. from a magma eruption D. from glacial activity
C.
How do geographers distinguish between types of dry climates? A. The average daily temperatures in each B. The proximity of each to the Equator C. The amount of rainfall and vegetation in each D. The geographical location of each
C.
How do geographers use a spatial perspective? A. to apply geographic skills to a variety of fields B. to study how people make meaning from the world C. to determine why things are located where they are D. to understand how living and non living things interact
C.
How do seas, gulfs, and bays differ from oceans? A. They are larger. B. They are freshwater. C. They are partially enclosed by land. D. They are deeper.
C.
How does accretion cause continents to grow outward? A. Moving plates squeeze Earth's surface until it buckles. B. Magma builds up to fill in space between plates. C. Debris from the leveling off of underwater mountains piles up. D. Erosion moves soil to edges of continents.
C.
How does being located in the Tropics affect the climate of Central America? A. Central America's high elevation leads to cooler temperatures. B. Central America has a tropical dry climate, with an extended dry season. C. Central America has high temperatures and abundant rainfall year-round. D. Central America has a warm, wet climate with many hurricanes.
C.
How does the chinook affect Canada's climate? A. Its moist air causes heavy rainfall. B. Its freezing temperatures limit vegetation growth. C. Its warm, dry wind melts snow. D. Its wide temperature ranges cause cold winters and short summers.
C.
Which of the following is NOT a concern among people regarding climate change? A. Extraction of coal, oil, and natural gas uses large amounts of energy. B. Conversion of synthetic crude oil releases carbon dioxide into the air. C. Lower costs of gasoline and kerosene negatively impact the economy. D. Exporting usable substances releases carbon dioxide.
C.
Which of the following is NOT considered an element of culture? A. language families B. religion C. climate D. social system
C.
Which of the following is a major cause of soil erosion on Caribbean islands? A. large applications of fertilizer B. a decrease in the number of plantations C. the elimination of natural vegetation D. an increase in soil fertility
C.
Which of the following is a result of clear-cutting? A. an increase in old-growth forests B. less erosion and flooding C. less diverse ecosystems D. more habitats for certain animals
C.
Which of the following is a result of extracting natural resources? A. an increased water supply B. a replenished timber supply C. a shrinking boreal forest D. a reduction in greenhouse gases
C.
Which of the following is caused directly by plate tectonics? A. moraines B. weathering C. earthquakes D. erosion
C.
Which of the following is causing the most harm to biodiversity in South America? A. water pollution B. monoculture C. deforestation D. oxisol
C.
Which of the following is not a temperate climate region in a midlatitude climate? A. humid subtropical B. marine west coast C. permafrost D. Mediterranean
C.
Which of the following is part of the lithosphere? A. rivers B. oceans C. ocean basins D. lakes
C.
Which of the following is the predominant climate in eastern South America? A. desert B. arid C. tropical D. tierra helada
C.
Which of the following natural resources is nonrenewable? A. fish B. water C. fossil fuels D. timber
C.
Which of the following regions of the United States is most affected by hurricanes? A. the Appalachian Mountains B. the Great Plains C. the Southeast D. the Colorado Plateau
C.
Which of the following statements explains how the greenhouse effect got its name? A. Earth's temperature is becoming warm enough to grow plants outside year-round. B.The ocean's surface acts like a greenhouse, warming Earth like a blanket. C. The atmosphere traps radiation to warm land, water, and air, reflecting heat back out, similar to a greenhouse. D. The sun's heat is trapped in the atmosphere so Earth's core absorbs too much heat.
C.
Which of the following types of music developed in African-American communities in the early 1900s? A. rock-and-roll B. country C. jazz D. hip-hop
C.
Which of the following was formed by volcanic lava seeping through cracks in Earth's crust? A. the Appalachians B. the Great Plains C. the Columbia Plateau D. Lake Huron
C.
Who established the first highly developed civilization in South America? A.the Aymara B.the Moche C.the Inca D.the Spanish
C.
Why are settlers attracted to the Andean Highlands? A. isolation from other communities B. the dry, barren, and windy climate C. cooler climates and good soil D. different vegetation zones
C.
Why is Argentina a global role model for its efforts to combat pollution? A. It has passed legislation to prevent urban sprawl. B. It is updating their public transport systems. C. It has set voluntary greenhouse gas emissions targets. D. It is focusing its efforts on large metropolitan areas.
C.
Why is the population in the Volcanic Axis dense? A. There is little volcanic activity. B. There are mountains, swamp coastlands, and rainforests. C. There is fertile soil, making the highlands rich agricultural zones. D. The elevations of some of the volcanic cones are more than 12,000 feet.
C.
Why might birthrates drop below replacement level in Stage 4 of the demographic transition model? A. there is improved healthcare B. there are fewer opportunities for women C. there are fewer people of childbearing age D. there are more infants and children than adults
C.
Why were Canada's mountains important to early settlers? A. They provided a means of transportation. B. They allowed for a vast trade network. C. They cradled plains where people could find farmland. D. They protected settlers from invaders and provided shelter.
C.
How does deforestation contribute to the rising of ocean levels? A. Deforestation leads to increased rainfall and precipitation, which causes the ocean levels to rise. B. Deforestation removes the root systems of plants that keep ocean water at bay. C. Deforestation leads to fewer plants holding soil and water in place thus increasing ocean levels due to runoff. D. Deforestation leads to more carbon dioxide, which contributes to warmer climates and melting sea ice.
D.
In condensation, warm air cools and A. water vapor rises from bodies of water. B. liquid water becomes vapor. C. rain and snow fall to the Earth. D. water vapor becomes liquid.
D.
A climate zone that occurs as elevation increases is known as a A. horizontal climate zone. B. tropical climate zone. C. chaparral climate zone. D. vertical climate zone.
D.
A democracy in which people elect others to make laws is a A. monarch democracy. B. assembled democracy. C. direct democracy. D. representative democracy.
D.
An ethnic group is made up of people who share A. a common social class and level of education. B. a common government philosophy. C. a common trade or occupation. D. a common language, history, or place of orgin.
D.
An industry which employs workers from their home is known as A. a campesino industry. B. a developing industry. C. a home-based industry. D. a cottage industry.
D.
Describing where a city is situated is part of which element of geography? A. physical systems B. environment and society C. places and regions D. the world in spatial terms
D.
How are old-growth forests and wetlands similar? A. They both contain sacred ground for indigenous communities. B. They provide valuable carbon dioxide. C. They have been overdeveloped for the tourism industry. D. They are increasingly rare and need to be protected.
D.
How are the causes of ocean currents similar to those of wind patterns? A. Ocean currents are mainly caused by the even distribution of sunlight, just as wind patterns rely on the Sun. B. Ocean currents move in a diagonal pattern, similar to the movement of prevailing winds. C. Both are solely caused by the relationship between the elevation of a place and its temperature. D. Both are caused by Earth's rotation, air pressure changes, and differences in water temperature.
D.
How has urbanization affected population distribution in the United States? A. Populations of urban and rural areas have equaled out. B. Populations of urban areas have declined. C. Populations of rural areas have increased. D. Populations of metropolitan areas have increased.
D.
Which of the following examples illustrates the difference between physical weathering and chemical weathering? A. Beaches form from the sediments washed up by the sea due to physical weathering, but they erode away due to chemical weathering. B. A rock with iron in it is exposed to air and crumbles because of physical weathering, but the same rock crushed by a larger rock breaks apart due to chemical weathering. C. Minerals in water wear away at rock because of physical weathering, but the rock wears away from the force of the water due to chemical weathering. D. A rock is broken into smaller pieces by physical weathering, but some cave formations are created by chemical weathering.
D.
Which of the following factors has been a primary influence on the arts in Canada? A. contemporary artists who paint cityscapes B. Central and South American cultures C. Asian artists and musicians D. native and European cultures
D.
Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences Mexico's climates? A. the northeast trade winds B. vertical climate zones C. regional high pressure systems D. marine systems
D.
Which of the following is NOT an example of how the St. Lawrence Seaway System can benefit Canada's economy? A. Cities and industries have developed along its tributaries. B. Resources are transported on its waterways. C. Its water provides hydroelectric power. D. The Seaway harbors large deposits of coal, iron ore, and other minerals that are mined for export.
D.
Which of the following is NOT involved in a tertiary economic activity? A. a mechanic B. a computer programmer C. a bookstore owner D. an orange grower
D.
Which of the following is a major challenge brought on by rapid urban growth? A. decreased infrastructure B. fewer consumers C. less toxic haze D. increased waste accumulation
D.
Which of the following is considered a major reason for world trade? A. a desire to increase gross domestic product B. a desire for goods from other cultures C. an unequal distribution of wealth D. an unequal distribution of natural resources
D.
Which of the following is the greatest advantage of hydroelectric power? A. It is less invasive than other sources of energy. B. It can be controlled and only used when necessary. C. It creates new water habitat by flooding. D. It is relatively clean energy from a renewable resource.
D.
Which of the following natural resources are found in the Athabasca Tar Sands? A. gold, silver, and copper B. coal C. iron ore and nickel D. crude oil
D.
Which of the following programs aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases? A .Border 2020 B. Ecobici C. Muevete en Bici D. REDD+
D.
Which of the following statements accurately defines weather? A. The atmosphere's condition in one place over an extended time period. B. A variety of patterns typical for an area over a long period of time. C. Direct and indirect sunlight falling on an area. D. The atmosphere's condition in one place during a short time period.
D.
Which of the following statements describes Earth without the greenhouse effect? A. Earth's warmer surface would cause global temperatures to rise. B. The atmosphere would leak heat. C. The planet would become too warm to support life. D. The ocean's surface would be frozen solid.
D.
Which of the following were formed by slabs of rock forced upward? A. Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake B. the Great Plains and the Interior Lowlands C. the Canadian Shield and the Great Lakes D. the Pacific Ranges and the Rocky Mountains
D.
Which profession is most likely to utilize geography skills? A. doctor B. construction worker C. zookeeper D. urban planner
D.
Which statement best describes how Earth's position affects temperatures? A. Temperature is measured in degrees on a set scale. B. Earth's axis runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. C. Earth's rotation from west to east creates unpredictable temperatures. D. Temperatures vary depending on which side of the planet is facing the sun.
D.
Which type of projection produces relatively accurate shapes on a map? A. a cylindrical projection B. a planar projection C. a map projection D. a conic projection
D.
Why are some countries reluctant to establish environmental restrictions? A. They have made more modifications to the environment than other countries. B. They do not have resources to export. C. They have outdated transportation systems. D. They lack the money to invest in alternative export resources.
D.
Why is it important to protect wetlands? A. They reverse damage to the environment by cleaning water. B. They provide a buffer to nonnative plant and animal species. C. They provide timber for the lumber industry. D. They hold valuable water supplies and fisheries.
D.
Why is landform a misleading term? A. Landforms are not found in the hydrosphere. B. Landforms often extend into the atmosphere. C. Landforms are only found in the lithosphere. D. Landforms are also found underwater.
D.