Ap Human Geo Unit 2 Practice Test

AP Human Geography Unit 2 Practice Test: Population and Migration

Unit 2 of AP Human Geography focuses on population and migration, crucial topics for understanding the complexities of human geography. This practice test will cover key concepts, allowing you to assess your understanding and identify areas needing further review. Remember to consult your textbook and class notes for a comprehensive understanding of these concepts.

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each multiple-choice question.

1. Which of the following best describes the demographic transition model? a) A model that explains the relationship between population growth and economic development. b) A model that predicts future population growth based on current trends. c) A model that describes the stages of population growth experienced by countries. d) A model that explains the causes of population decline.

   Answer: c) The demographic transition model illustrates the shift in birth and death rates as countries develop economically.

2. What is a dependency ratio? a) The ratio of the economically active population to the economically inactive population. b) The ratio of the elderly population to the working-age population. c) The ratio of the total population to the land area. d) The ratio of the birth rate to the death rate.

   Answer: a) The dependency ratio measures the proportion of the population that is economically dependent on the working-age population. While (b) is a component of the dependency ratio, (a) is the broader definition.

3. Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to high birth rates? a) High infant mortality rates. b) Religious beliefs. c) Access to family planning education. d) Traditional gender roles.

   Answer: c) Access to family planning education and resources is associated with lower birth rates.

4. What is the term for the number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year? a) Crude birth rate b) Crude death rate c) Natural increase rate d) Total fertility rate

   Answer: b) The crude death rate is a key demographic indicator.

5. Ravenstein's Laws of Migration describe patterns of human migration. Which of the following is NOT one of Ravenstein's Laws? a) Migration occurs in steps. b) Long-distance migrants tend to move to urban areas. c) Rural populations are more likely to migrate than urban populations. d) The majority of migrants move short distances.

   Answer: c) While rural populations can migrate, Ravenstein's Laws suggest that urban populations are more likely to migrate internally.

6. What is a push factor in migration? a) A factor that attracts people to a new location. b) A factor that compels people to leave their current location. c) A factor that makes migration easier. d) A factor that limits migration.

   Answer: b) Push factors are negative aspects of an origin location that drive people to leave.

7. What is the term for the forced migration of a large number of people from a particular region? a) Emigration b) Immigration c) Diaspora d) Exodus

   Answer: d) Exodus refers to a mass departure of people from a place, often due to persecution or disaster. While diaspora can describe dispersed populations, it doesn't necessarily imply forced migration.

8. Which model of migration emphasizes the role of social networks in influencing migration decisions? a) The Gravity Model b) The Demographic Transition Model c) The Chain Migration Model d) The Lee Model

   Answer: c) The Chain Migration Model highlights the impact of family and community ties on migration patterns.

9. What is an intervening obstacle? a) A factor that attracts migrants to a new location. b) A factor that hinders migration. c) A factor that makes migration easier. d) A factor that determines the distance of migration.

   Answer: b) Intervening obstacles are barriers or challenges that prevent migrants from reaching their intended destination.

10. What is the Malthusian Theory? a) A theory that predicts a future population crash due to resource depletion. b) A theory that explains the stages of population growth. c) A theory that focuses on the impact of migration on population distribution. d) A theory that emphasizes the role of technology in increasing food production.

    Answer: a) Malthus predicted population growth would outpace food production, leading to widespread famine and suffering.

Section 2: Short Answer Questions

Instructions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Explain the difference between crude birth rate and total fertility rate.

   The crude birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population per year, while the total fertility rate (TFR) is the average number of children a woman would have during her reproductive years (typically 15-49 years old). The CBR is a broad measure, while the TFR is a more refined indicator of fertility. The TFR provides a better understanding of future population growth than CBR.

2. Describe two push and two pull factors that might influence someone to migrate from a rural area to an urban area in a developing country.

   Push Factors:

   • Lack of economic opportunities: Limited job prospects and low wages in rural areas can push people to seek better employment opportunities in cities.
   • Land scarcity: Limited access to arable land for farming may drive people to seek alternative livelihoods in urban centers.

   Pull Factors:

   • Greater employment opportunities: Cities often offer a wider variety of jobs and higher paying positions, attracting people from rural areas.
   • Better access to services: Urban areas generally provide better access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure, making them more attractive to migrants.

3. Explain how government policies can influence population growth.

   Government policies can significantly influence population growth through various measures. For example, pronatalist policies, such as those offering financial incentives or parental leave benefits, aim to encourage higher birth rates. Conversely, antinatalist policies, like China's one-child policy (now relaxed), aim to reduce birth rates. Policies related to family planning access, education, and healthcare also play a crucial role in shaping population dynamics. Furthermore, immigration policies can directly impact population growth by regulating the number of people entering a country.

4. Discuss the concept of population density and its relevance to resource management.

   Population density refers to the number of people per unit area (e.g., people per square kilometer). Understanding population density is vital for resource management, as it helps to determine the strain placed on resources like water, food, energy, and infrastructure. Areas with high population densities often face greater challenges in providing adequate resources to their inhabitants, leading to potential shortages and environmental degradation. Effective resource management strategies must consider population density to ensure equitable distribution and sustainable use of resources.

5. Describe the epidemiological transition model and its stages.

   The epidemiological transition model illustrates the shift in causes of death and disease over time, corresponding to changes in economic development and living standards. It typically consists of several stages:

   • Stage 1 (High Mortality): Characterized by high death rates from infectious diseases, famine, and poor sanitation. Life expectancy is low.
   • Stage 2 (Declining Mortality): Improved sanitation, nutrition, and public health measures lead to a decline in death rates, particularly among children. Infectious diseases remain a significant cause of death.
   • Stage 3 (Late Mortality): Death rates continue to decline, but at a slower rate. Chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer become more prevalent. Life expectancy increases significantly.
   • Stage 4 (Low Mortality): Death rates are low and stable. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death, with improved medical treatments extending life expectancy.
   • Stage 5 (Possible Re-emergence of infectious diseases): This stage hypothesizes a possible resurgence of infectious diseases due to factors like antibiotic resistance, global travel, and weakened public health systems.

Section 3: Essay Question

Instructions: Write a well-structured essay answering the following question. Your essay should be at least 500 words long.

Discuss the factors that contribute to internal migration within a country. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.

Internal migration, the movement of people within a country's borders, is a complex phenomenon shaped by a multitude of interacting factors. These factors can be broadly categorized as economic, social, political, and environmental. Understanding these drivers is crucial for effective urban planning, resource allocation, and social policy development.

Economic factors play a dominant role in internal migration. Individuals and families often relocate in search of better economic opportunities. The availability of jobs, wages, and prospects for economic advancement are key determinants. For example, the rapid industrialization and urbanization in many developing countries have fueled massive internal migration flows from rural areas to urban centers, as people seek employment in factories, construction, and service industries. The "Rust Belt" in the United States provides a counter-example. Economic decline in manufacturing sectors led to significant out-migration from those areas.

Social factors are also important drivers. People may migrate to be closer to family and friends, particularly in situations where strong social networks exist in a particular location. Chain migration, where one migrant paves the way for others from their community, is a common phenomenon. Similarly, access to better education and healthcare facilities can also influence migration decisions, as families seek improved opportunities for their children. For example, the concentration of universities in certain cities can attract students from across the country, leading to temporary or permanent migration.

Political factors can significantly shape internal migration patterns. Political instability, conflict, or persecution can create mass internal displacement, forcing people to flee their homes in search of safety and security. Examples include the displacement of people due to civil wars or political unrest. Conversely, government policies like resettlement programs or incentives for migration to specific regions can influence population distribution within a country.

Environmental factors are increasingly influencing internal migration. Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, droughts, and wildfires can displace large numbers of people, leading to temporary or permanent relocation. Similarly, environmental degradation and climate change can impact agricultural productivity and resource availability, forcing people to migrate from affected areas. For instance, rising sea levels and desertification are causing displacement in coastal and arid regions, respectively.

Furthermore, the interplay of these factors is crucial to understand. For example, a drought (environmental factor) may lead to crop failure, resulting in economic hardship (economic factor), forcing individuals to migrate to urban centers in search of employment and better opportunities. The availability of social networks in these urban areas (social factor) could further influence their migration choices.

In conclusion, internal migration is a multifaceted process driven by a complex interplay of economic, social, political, and environmental factors. Understanding these influences is crucial for formulating effective policies to manage population distribution, alleviate social disparities, and ensure sustainable development within a country. Future research and policy initiatives must focus on integrating these diverse factors to create comprehensive and effective solutions.