AP Human Geography : Agriculture, Food Production, & Rural Land Use

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Major Agricultural Production Regions

In which region of the world is sahwah most likely to be used?

Possible Answers:

Central America

Eastern Europe

Southeast Asia

North Africa

South America

Correct answer:

Southeast Asia

Explanation:

A “sahwah” is the term used to describe a “paddy field,” or an irrigated field used to grow rice. It is extremely common throughout East, South, and Southeast Asia.

Example Question #3 : Major Agricultural Production Regions

Pigs, chickens, water buffalo all originated in __________.

Possible Answers:

Eastern Europe

Western Europe

North Africa

Southwest Asia

Southeast Asia

Correct answer:

Southeast Asia

Explanation:

Pigs, chickens, and water buffalo all originated in Southeast Asia. Chickens and pigs have spread throughout the world and are today raised in a wide-variety of climates. Chicken is the most widely consumed meat in the world.

Example Question #2 : Major Agricultural Production Regions

Which of these statements is not true about the practice of double cropping?

Possible Answers:

It is common in places that have long winters

Wet rice is usually one of the crops grown

It involves obtaining two harvests from one field

It is relatively rare in India

It is common in places that have warm winters

Correct answer:

It is common in places that have long winters

Explanation:

Double cropping is not possible in places that have long winters because the growing season is shorter for the whole year.

Example Question #11 : Major Agricultural Production Regions

What is another term for rice fields?

Possible Answers:

Rice cakes

Pad cakes

Pancakes

Paddies

Correct answer:

Paddies

Explanation:

Paddies are another name for rice fields. We can see these especially in various Asian countries, where rice is a staple food and agricultural feature.

Example Question #11 : Major Agricultural Production Regions

Which of the following agricultural systems, often used in the rainforest climate regime where soil quality is poor, can be sustainable at small scale and long fallow times?

Possible Answers:

nomadic herding

organic

subsistence

commercial

slash and burn

Correct answer:

slash and burn

Explanation:

Slash and burn agriculture is an adaptation to the poor soil quality in rainforest climate regimes and is sustainable at small scales with long fallow times. Slashing and burning vegetation adds nutrients to the soil that can be used to grow food. Long fallow times are necessary to allow vegetation to grow so that it can once again be slashed and burned to recharge the nutrient levels in the soil.

While subsistence agriculture is a good answer, it is not the best answer because subsistence farming does not require long fallow times to be sustainable. Commercial farming is not viable at small scales or with long fallow times because both of these constraints reduce the profit that can be made from a tract of land. Organic agriculture is not a good choice because it does not require long fallow times or small scale to be sustainable. Nomadic herding is a type of agriculture related to keeping livestock. Nomadic herding is not a good answer choice here because it is not well adapted to the poor soil quality found in rainforest climate zones and does not require long fallow times.

Example Question #11 : Major Agricultural Production Regions

In which of these countries is extensive farming most common?

Possible Answers:

The United Kingdom

India

The United States of America

Japan

France

Correct answer:

The United States of America

Explanation:

All of these countries are predominantly “intensive farming” countries, with the exception of the United States of America which is more of an extensive farming country. This is because most agricultural produce in the United States is grown on large swathes of land in relatively depopulated areas of the country, it also involves a great deal of machinery and requires relatively little human labor.

Example Question #11 : Major Agricultural Production Regions

Which of these is not true about pastoral nomadism?

Possible Answers:

It is a form of subsistence agriculture

It is a common form of agriculture, with about 150 million people practicing it in the world today

The Bedouins of Saudi Arabia are an example of pastoral nomads

It is based on the herding of domesticated animals

It is adapted to dry climates

Correct answer:

It is a common form of agriculture, with about 150 million people practicing it in the world today

Explanation:

Only about 15 million people are pastoral nomads, encompassing about 20% of the Earth's area.

Example Question #52 : Agriculture, Food Production, & Rural Land Use

Some pastoral nomads practice transhumance. What is the best definition for transhumance?

Possible Answers:

The burning of pastures between crop rotations

An Eastern religion similar to Buddhism 

The seasonal migration of livestock between mountainous land and lowland pasture areas

A remnant of transcendentalism

A ritualistic sacrifice that is said to bring good luck

Correct answer:

The seasonal migration of livestock between mountainous land and lowland pasture areas

Explanation:

Transhumance is defined as the seasonal movement of livestock (herding) between mountains and lowland pastures. Typically, livestock is moved to the lowlands in the winters and to the highlands in the summers.

Example Question #51 : Agriculture, Food Production, & Rural Land Use

This country was often referred to as “the breadbasket of the Soviet Union” during the existence of the U.S.S.R.?

Possible Answers:

Uzbekistan

Ukraine

Turkey

Afghanistan

Belarus

Correct answer:

Ukraine

Explanation:

Historically speaking the ties between Ukraine and Russia are complex and layered. The progenitor of the Russian Tsarist Empire began in Kiev (the modern-day capital of Ukraine) before moving further east to Moscow. During the twentieth century Ukraine came under the control of the Soviet Union and due to its fertile lands came to be known as “the breadbasket of the Soviet Union.” As you may be aware in more recent times relationships between Ukraine and Russia have reached a critical point and it now serves (unwillingly) as something of a “buffer state” between Russia and the west.

Example Question #54 : Agriculture, Food Production, & Rural Land Use

Approximately what percentage of the global working population is engaged in agricultural work?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Approximately one third, or thirty-three percent, of the world’s labor force is engaged agricultural work. The number has been steadily declining throughout the history of human civilization.

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