Unit 6
Which site factor best explains the linear pattern of urbanized areas extending between Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston? A The development of cities in the region was influenced by the abundance of deep-water harbors and waterfalls where the flat coastal plains met higher lands. B The development of urbanized areas in the region was influenced by the ability to easily transport goods between coastal areas and the interior of the country. C The growth of cities in the region was influenced by the accessibility of raw materials and markets through rivers and canals. D The development of urbanized areas in the region was influenced by growing trade networks between Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. E The growth of urbanized areas in the region was influenced by many cities achieving dominance as political, financial, and informational capitals.
A
With regard to environmental sustainability, which of the following explains an advantage of urban light-rail networks in Europe and East Asia compared to most light-rail systems in United States cities? A Light-rail is integrated with fast commuter railroad networks and subways and extends out to multiple suburbs. B Light-rail networks connect locations in downtown central business districts. C Light-rail stations tend to be simple boarding platforms that do not have parking areas. D Light-rail lines tend to lack a large central train terminal for passengers to transfer between trains headed in different directions. E Light-rail lines often work on the honor system where a pass or permit is used to ride the train and there may be random ticket checks.
A
A primate city such as Mexico City is A always located in the center of its country for maximum accessibility B more than twice the size of any other city in its country and dominant economically and culturally C most likely to share its rank size with at least one other city in the country D always a national capital serving as the seat of government and industrial center of the country E much larger than the cities in any neighboring country and serves as the region's financial capital
B
Although gentrification can revitalize cities by rehabilitating residential areas, which of the following problems can be explained by the type of building renovations shown in the before and after images? A More parking leading to decreased public transportation use B Higher rents causing displacement of existing residents C New buildings causing environmental sustainability issues D Disuse changing areas into zones of abandonment E Unfair real estate practices resulting in housing and insurance discrimination cases
B
The presence of media hubs, coalitions focusing on specific environmental challenges, and headquarters for multinational corporations in major cities help explain how such cities A avoid participation in global processes and decision making B are linked globally in ways that transcend national political boundaries C are isolated and dependent on national political boundaries for security D preserve cultural heritage and contribute to increasing isolation E generate individual wealth and drive economic development within cities boundaries
B
Which of the following best describes the process of gentrification in United States and Canadian cities? A An increase in construction of new housing for elderly and retired persons B Privately funded redevelopment of existing commercial and residential buildings C Government-led planning of public spaces such as parks and riverfronts D The sale of naming rights for stadiums and arenas E The expansion of suburban housing developments on the urban periphery
B
Which of the following best describes urban planning in the United States? A It is imposed by the federal government through national standards. B It is accomplished, for the most part, through local ordinances governing land use. C It follows rules and standards established by international organizations. D It is imposed by state governments through regional standards. E It is conducted cooperatively by public-private partnerships.
B
Which of the following best explains what the concentric zone model and bid-rent curve illustrate about patterns of urban areas? A Together they show how housing prices rise exponentially in rural areas. B Together they show how land prices rise exponentially closer to the central business district. C Together they show how rents for apartments drop precipitously closer to the central business district. D Together they show how rents for agricultural land rise exponentially farther from cities. E Together they show how rents for commercial office space rise exponentially on the urban periphery.
B
Which of the following defines Chicago's position in relation to the infrastructure of the United States? A Site B Situation C Absolute location D Vernacular region E Transition zone
B
Which of the following describes a primate city? A It is economically and politically inter-connected to other cities in the world. B It is disproportionately large in relation to the next largest cities in that country. C It is surrounded by walls like a fortress. D It is linked by colonial administrators to an imperial power. E It is primarily concerned with its role as a religious center.
B
Which of the following factors best explains the development and expansion of squatter settlements? A Gentrification of megacities in more developed countries displacing large numbers of urban dwellers B Rapid urbanization and inability of infrastructure to keep pace with the growth of megacities in developing countries C Urban dwellers seeking residential housing and shopping outside the congestion of the city D Zoning laws in developing countries that prevent current urban dwellers from obtaining land to build residential structures E The growth of urban agriculture encouraging migrant farm workers to move to cities requiring more housing
B
Which of the following groups would most likely engage in the gentrification of an older residential neighborhood? A University students on limited incomes B Double-income households without children C People above age sixty-five on limited incomes D Double-income households with children E Recent immigrants on limited incomes
B
Which of the following occurs when the cities in a country follow the rank-size rule? A There are two large cities with similar population sizes. B The largest city is two times the population of the next-largest city. C The largest city is three times the population of the next-largest city. D The largest city is four times the population of the next-largest city. E The largest city is five times the population of the next-largest city.
B
Which of the following similarities best explains why cities such as Venice, Amsterdam, Hamburg, London, and Marseilles were early front-runners in urban development in Western Europe? A These cities were early hearths of domestication, functioning as centers of agricultural production. B These port cities were centers of trade, serving as links in terms of capital and labor mobility. C These cities were early adopters of sustainable design principles, providing an example for other cities. D These industrial cities were centers of manufacturing, supplying Western Europe with new technology. E These cities were hubs of population growth, rapidly expanding to become the first megacities.
B
Which of the following statements explains the characteristics of cities in a postindustrial economy? A The postindustrial city has new structures since the buildings of the industrial city cannot be reused. B The postindustrial city has a large share of offices housing technology and information services. C The postindustrial city has very few companies in the manufacturing sector. D The postindustrial city is a high-density, compact city to facilitate information and technology businesses. E The postindustrial city has few low-skill or general service jobs because of the demands of technology industries.
B
As migrants from rural areas continue to move to cities for jobs, cities face a variety of economic and social challenges. Which of the following economic or social challenges is best illustrated by the photograph shown of Mumbai, India? A The city's infrastructure cannot support the high population density in the central business district. B A large number of unemployed people live in the city. C There is a significant income gap between residents on the periphery of the city and residents in the city center. D The city's economic status in the global market is declining. E There is a high level of homelessness in the city's central business district.
C
In the development of urban land, which of the following is typically built on the most accessible sites? A Single-family housing B Farm markets C Retail complexes D Industrial parks E High-rise apartment buildings
C
Many medium-sized metropolitan areas such as Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, or Charlotte, North Carolina, have added light-rail train systems to their public-transit networks. Which of the following best explains the goals of light-rail projects? A Reduce highway accident numbers due to unsafe driving and outdated, less-safe vehicles B Protect wetlands and local lakes from water pollution caused by industrial waste discharge C Reduce the ecological footprint of cities and reduce the air pollution created by vehicle exhaust D Redevelop urban brownfields and promote farmland protection policies that reduce urban sprawl E Plan for sustainable residential zoning and establish an urban-growth boundary around cities
C
Squatter settlements exist in cities of less-developed countries because A city governments set aside vacant areas for new migrants B people want to live near the center of the city, where jobs are located C affordable housing is not available elsewhere for new migrants to the city D new migrants prefer to live in squatter settlements with other recent migrants E new migrants need to be isolated from other city residents until they adjust to urban life
C
Using the diagram above, at what distance from the central business district will recreational land use begin to outbid all other land uses? A About 3 miles B About 6 miles C About 10 miles D About 12 miles E About 18 miles
C
Which of the following best explains the importance of stock exchanges in the cities of Mumbai, India and Shanghai, China? A These cities have a large manufacturing labor force. B These cities function as global economic centers in the core. C These cities function as global economic centers in the semiperiphery. D These edge cities have a large number of high-technology companies. E These edge cities are built at the intersection of transportation routes.
C
According to the rank-size rule, which of the following is typically true of higher-order services, such as hospitals with a large number of medical specialties? A They are located in suburbs. B They are located in small towns. C They have smaller ranges and thresholds. D They have larger ranges and thresholds. E They have larger ranges and smaller thresholds.
D
An advantage of the Harris and Ullman multiple nuclei model over the Burgess concentric zone model and the Hoyt sector model of internal city structure is that the multiple nuclei model A easily incorporates depiction of linear and areal physical relief features B allows for the central business district to be situated in an edge city C is also applicable to rural areas beyond the urban periphery D easily incorporates construction of a new airport on the urban periphery E has a monocentric focus that limits the inclusion of urban sprawl
D
As old central business districts and industrial zones in more developed countries lost businesses and employment in the mid- to late twentieth century, suburban development expanded. Which of the following types of cities resulted from rapid suburban growth and the expansion of retail areas, office developments, business centers, and corporate headquarters to provide jobs and services in suburban areas? A Megalopolises B Financial districts C State capitals D Edge cities E Manufacturing zones
D
What is a common impact of urbanization regardless of a country's level of economic development? A Urbanization means a loss of agricultural production due to the loss of farmland and farmworkers. B Urbanization leads to a more egalitarian society as the difference between urban and rural lifestyles is reduced. C Urbanization creates a larger cultural and economic gap between urban and rural areas. D Urbanization creates a labor force with a diversity of job skills and compensation levels. E Urbanization creates socially and economically diverse cities that have little social conflict.
D
Which of the following best explains what the central business district data indicate? A Business owners want to have fast Internet available for their consumers in order to improve online ratings for local services and generate return customers. B Consumers demand that the fastest Internet service available before they will consider visiting a city or selecting a hotel for work or business trips. C Politicians and activists have made Internet connectivity a basic right of urban residents and feel that governments should provide services to increase the connectivity of citizens. D Government policy makers and business partners have focused infrastructure efforts on creating a downtown work environment that is positive for economic development. E Communications companies expect that increasing Internet speeds will lead to increased number of subscribers to their networks.
D
Which of the following best explains why New York City has more specialized stores than do smaller urban places in the United States? A Its status as a primate city B The rank-size rule C The gravity model D Central place theory E The Burgess concentric zone model
D
Which of the following describes a feature of the original central business district (CBD) found in most cities? A Manufacturing space is located in the middle of the original CBD. B Residential space is generally not permitted in the original CBD. C Retail space is generally not permitted in the original CBD. D Land values are the highest of any zone in the metropolitan area. E Land values are the lowest of any zone in the metropolitan area.
D
Which of the following exemplifies a smart-growth approach to urban planning? A Construction of wider highways in an effort to lessen congestion B Conversion of farmland to housing to encourage migration to suburbs C Creation of zoning laws that separate retail space from housing developments D Creation of walkable neighborhoods with mixed-use land and access to public transportation E Construction of affordable housing in suburban neighborhoods
D
Which of the following types of urban land use is most common on the periphery of cities in Latin America? A A plaza surrounded by a central business district B Parks and recreation areas C Upper-class residential developments D Residential squatter settlements E Rail transportation corridors
D
All of the following were crucial to the emergence of the first cities EXCEPT A an agricultural surplus B a stratified social system C labor specialization D a system for food storage and distribution E separation of the ruling system and the religious system
E
Although photovoltaic solar farms appear to be a free resource with few negative impacts, there are environmental problems related to this type of renewable energy production. Which statement explains the limits to the sustainability of solar panel farms to produce electricity for a city in a more developed country? A Buildings supporting solar photovoltaic panels are not suitable for housing. B Nearby residents complain of changed air circulation patterns and low-frequency noise. C Migratory birds flying near the solar panels can be injured. D Operating costs are high and it is difficult to transmit solar power through the electrical grid. E Large amounts of land, permanently cleared of natural vegetation are needed.
E
Based on a comparison of the zones in the model shown, which of the following best explains how the model is limited in its representation of present-day urban land-use patterns? A The model does not account for the prices of agricultural land on the urban periphery, where land prices continue to decline. B The model does not show that taller buildings constructed in the central business district are a result of increased land costs. C The model does not indicate that land for apartment buildings is more expensive than land for single-family homes. D The model does not account for the existence of suburbs composed of single-family homes where the housing structure is more expensive than the land it is built on. E The model does not show the cost-to-distance effects of multiple suburban central business districts and the pattern of residential areas that surround them.
E
In the fundamentals of central place theory, which of the following terms is defined as the maximum distance a consumer will travel to acquire a good or service? A Distance decay B Threshold C Cost-to-distance ratio D Relative location E Range
E
The development of high-speed rail lines, highways, and communications systems has created cities that seem to be apart from traditional central-place hierarchies because they have developed complementary functions. Which of the following is an example of these so-called network cities? A London-Birmingham-Liverpool B Hong Kong-Shanghai-Beijing C Moscow-St. Petersburg-Kiev D Cleveland-Toledo-Chicago E Tokyo-Osaka-Nagasaki
E
The model above represents zones that are present in many American cities. Which of the following design concepts of urban development is likely to have the most significant impact on the reduction of urban sprawl? A Transformation of warehouse space in zone 2 of the model into high-income rental properties B Construction of a large single-family housing development in zone 4 of the model C Gentrification of older housing in selected neighborhoods in zone 3 of the model D Construction of a large shopping mall in zone 1 of the model E Mixed-use land development in zone 5 of the model
E
Transit-oriented development in Southeast Asian cities is an innovative strategy to minimize crippling traffic jams. One aspect of transit-oriented development is the use of dedicated rapid-transit bus lanes to more efficiently connect residential neighborhoods with activity nodes. An added benefit of this strategy that would appeal to advocates of sustainable city-development programs is the A lowering of fertility rates B stimulation of urban sprawl C influx of rural-to-urban migrants D increase in profits for bus operators E reduction in carbon emissions
E
Which of the following accurately describes the city population data in the table? A Bangkok is both a metacity and a primate city. B Hanoi is both a world city and a primate city. C Ho Chi Minh City is both a megacity and a primate city. D Hanoi is both a capital city and a primate city. E Bangkok is both a megacity and a primate city.
E
Which of the following best explains the city planning trends shown in the data table? A Business development efforts have been made to increase the prices charged for commercial real estate. B Transit-oriented development efforts have been made to decrease traffic and reduce the city's carbon footprint. C Mixed-use development efforts have been made to increase the integration of residential and commercial land use. D Economic development efforts have been made to improve benefits for employees working in the city. E Social development efforts have been made to improve the quality of life for city residents.
E
Which of the following best explains why countries such as Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Kazakhstan, and Nigeria would construct a new capital city in a different location from the old capital city? A To attract world trade to a new site B To distance the new capital cities from the countries' colonial histories C To be better protected from foreign invasion D To be better situated along transportation networks E To build modern, planned cities and administrative centers
E
Which of the following best illustrates how the world cities in the table are connected globally in ways that transcend national borders? A Tokyo developing into one of the largest megacities B London building a new financial district C London and Tokyo being seats of national governments D New York City and Tokyo being located in coastal environments E Chinatown and the United Nations being located in New York City
E
Which of the following is a general theory in geography that can be used to quantify and predict the interaction between two cities based on population sizes, distance between the places, the number of migrants moving from one place to the other, or the flow of trade goods between the two locations? A Central place theory B World system theory C Concentric zone model D Multiple nuclei model E Gravity model
E
Which of the following was a consequence of blockbusting in North American cities? A European immigrants moved into housing vacated by upwardly mobile Americans. B Poor residents were unable to acquire mortgages. C Real estate agents lost sellers. D Neighborhoods were razed for commercial establishments. E The ethnic composition of neighborhoods changed
E
The image shows a squatter settlement at the edge of a city in South Africa. What information regarding causes and effects does the image convey? A The image shows the living conditions of people in the squatter settlement, who are unable to acquire permanent housing within the city. B The image shows the location of the squatter settlement relative to the central business district where wealthy people live. C The image shows the size of the squatter settlement and the need for additional land. D The image shows the cultural beliefs and values of the people living in the squatter settlement. E The image can be used to determine the number of people who live in the squatter settlement.
A
The map shows urbanized areas. Which of the following additional types of quantitative data will be most helpful to a geographer analyzing expansion of the urbanized areas shown on the map? A A census tract map of each city and the surrounding counties showing the difference in population density over a ten-year period B A census tract map of each city and the surrounding counties showing the difference in household incomes over a ten-year period C A census tract map of each city and the surrounding counties showing the average age from the most recent ten-year census D A county map of each state showing total population from the most recent ten-year census E A county map of each state showing the change in average number of people per household from the most recent ten-year census
A
What aspect of the design of Brasília, Canberra, and Washington, D.C., was different from the design of most other urban centers? A They were designed as show places to reflect the power and wealth of their respective countries B Their design was based largely on transportation systems to allow for efficient movement of raw materials and finished products. C They were planned around a major river to allow ease of movement of foodstuffs from the hinterland to the city D They were positioned near the center of their respective countries to help protect them from enemy attack. E They were designed to utilize the hydro-power potential of the nearby rivers to attract manufacturing firms.
A
Which of the following best explains the strength of the diagram shown as a theoretical model in human geography? A The model presents a general theory that is most applicable to metropolitan areas that were once colonial-era Spanish cities. B The model presents a general theory that is applicable to metropolitan areas that were first settled in the era of postcolonial independence. C The model presents a general theory that is most applicable to metropolitan areas that were once colonial-era Portuguese cities. D The model presents a general theory that is most applicable to metropolitan areas with service-based urban economies. E The model presents a general theory that is most applicable to metropolitan areas with technology-based urban economies.
A
Which of the following describes the connection between land values and population density?I. Higher population density indicates a higher demand for land and thus the price of land is bid up in densely settled regions.II. Higher prices make land less affordable so that expensive locations generally have lower population densities.II. Larger areas of land will cost more but will be less likely to be densely settled. A I only B II only C III only D I and II E II and III
A
Which of the following is the primary reason for the rapid population growth in megacities throughout the developing world? A Interregional migration B A decline in the death rate C The natural increase rate D The decline in the dependency ratio E A decrease in the doubling time
A
Which of the following models best represents an old colonial port zone and its surrounding commercial districts? A Southeast Asian city model B Galactic city model C Islamic city model D Latin American city model E Multiple nuclei model
A
Which of the following resources is used to produce the largest amount of electricity in the United States? A Coal mined and transported within the United States by railroads B Coal imported from foreign countries by ships C Natural gas drilled and imported from foreign countries by pipelines D Oil (petroleum) drilled and transported within the United States via pipelines E Oil (petroleum) imported from foreign countries by ships
A
Which of the following statements best explains how the world cities listed in the table function within the world's urban hierarchy? A The top ten world cities have a significant impact on the international economy and are important drivers of globalization. B The cities with larger populations are the biggest drivers of global innovation. C The cities with smaller populations can be expected to experience the fastest rates of population growth within the next several decades. D The top ten world cities offer a wide array of services, but these services are restricted to local populations. E The top ten world cities are diminishing in financial and cultural significance due to the process of globalization.
A
In the United States and Canada, which areal unit best approximates a city neighborhood in size? A A census tract B A county C A municipality D A congressional district E A metropolitan area
A
Water run-off is likely to be greatest in which of the following settings? A City B Flat farmland C Alpine terraces D Beachfront E Forest preserve
A
According to Christaller's central place model, which of the following would most likely have the smallest range? A A university B An international airport C A grocery store D A professional football stadium E A symphony orchestra hall
C
All of the following are reasons for the rise of suburban development in the 1950s EXCEPT A the building of interstate highways B the G.I. Bill of Rights C better public transportation D the desire for more space E prefab construction methods
C
According to the rank-size rule, which of the following is true about the second-largest city in a country? A It is almost equal in population to the largest city. B It has a population that is twice the size of the third-largest city. C It has half the number of functions as those in the largest city. D It has half the population size of the largest city. E It is located half as far from the largest city as is the third-largest city.
D
The map above shows percent change in population for counties in Texas from the 2000 to the 2010 census. The three largest metropolitan areas are Dallas-Fort Worth (Tarrant and Dallas Counties), Houston (Harris County), and San Antonio (Bexar County). Which of the following statements best explains urban growth in the period from 2000 to 2010 ? A Population in the extreme western counties in Texas remained stable with little growth or decline during the 2000-2010 period, indicating a low birth rate. B The greatest percentage growth in population occurred in locations in central Texas during the 2000-2010 period, indicating a trend of city residents moving to rural areas. C All of the counties surrounding the major metropolitan areas experienced negative growth in the 2000-2010 period, indicating the process of deindustrialization. D The greatest percentage growth in population occurred in counties adjacent to the three largest metropolitan areas, indicating continued suburbanization. E There has been a steady increase in population growth for all counties in the extreme southeastern coastal area, indicating the popularity of coastal living.
D
The photograph above shows high-density residential housing built in the early 2000s in Henderson, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas, developed to accommodate large increases in population in the area. Which of the following best explains the growth in population and housing shown in the image and the census data? A The growth brought on by resource extraction and industrialization B The impacts of deindustrialization in other Sun Belt-region cities C A period of immigration from southern Europe and eastern Europe D A cycle of rapid economic development and real estate investment E A phase of water-resource and hydroelectric-power development
D
Which of the following best describes the difference in urban transportation issues faced by cities in different parts of the world? A Extreme traffic congestion during rush hour is a largely North American issue due to high levels of automobile ownership. B High rates of ridership on public transit in western Europe and Japan reflect lower income levels compared to the United States. C Most less developed countries continue to avoid urban transportation issues, but government planners fear development will bring transportation problems. D The relatively low population density of North American cities encourages automobile use, sprawl, and traffic congestion. E Many cities around the world are successfully fighting traffic congestion by building more limited-access expressways.
D
Which of the following best explains a geographic characteristic shared by megacities in the global periphery? A Megacities developed due to major investments in high-speed railways and subway systems. B Abundant job opportunities in megacities lead to low unemployment rates. C Deindustrialization is causing megacity populations to decline. D Megacities demonstrate unplanned growth patterns and often contain squatter settlements. E Megacities were built in strategic defensive locations and maintain a strong military presence.
D
Which of the following models of urban structure depicts a commercial spine bordered by an elite residential sector extending outward from the central business district? A Urban realms B Concentric zone C Multiple nuclei D Latin American city E Southeast Asian city
D
All of the following have helped create ghettos in North American cities EXCEPT A blockbusting and racial steering B redlining by financial institutions C concentration of public housing and social services D fixed school district boundaries E Economic Enterprise Zones
E
Which of the following is true of an edge city? A It is located on the edge of a lake, river, or other physical feature. B It is close to bankruptcy. C It is an outlet for a region's trade. D It is increasingly used for heavy industry. E It has a large amount of recently developed retail and office space.
E
Central place theory describes the A spatial patterns of urban and outlying areas based on the flow of goods and services B tendency of different ethnic groups to congregate in a single location C tendency of civilizations to form around certain natural features D outward radiation of cultural patterns from a central place E tendency of wealth to concentrate in urban core areas
A
In the contemporary pattern of migration to cities in more developed countries, migrants are more likely to settle in A Suburban areas B The central city C Brownfield sites D Squatter settlements E Areas of gentrification
A
La Défense is an edge city constructed in the late twentieth century and characterized by high-rise office buildings. Which of the following best explains why La Défense is located on the outskirts of Paris? A The land at the center of Paris is filled with numerous historic buildings that residents do not want torn down. B Land in the city center is not as valuable as land on the edge of the city. C The center of Paris is not well-served by public transportation. D La Défense needs access to the river in order to export manufactured goods to other countries in Europe. E The center of Paris is inhabited by low-income residents, and wealthy residents prefer to live in the suburbs.
A
Mixed-use development, pedestrian-friendly design, and the incorporation of front porches and alleys are design elements of which of the following? A New urbanism B Transit-oriented development C Zero growth D Urban growth boundaries E Leapfrog development
A
New Urbanism is an example of sustainable urban development. This type of development is intended to A reduce the miles driven on personal vehicles B increase the need for senior housing C increase the need for shopping mall development D decrease the density of the urban area E reduce the need for mass transit
A
The galactic city model was developed in response to the growth of suburbs and the need for a more complex model than the sector and concentric zone models. Which of the following is a strength of the galactic city model? A It depicts exurban nodes. B It depicts a central business district. C It depicts early-twentieth-century industrial cities. D It is based on the location of an international airport. E It is based on the decrease of urban sprawl.
A