AP Human Geography : Pastoralism
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Pastoralism
Which of these terms best matches the following description: An agricultural process that involves nomadic animal husbandry?
Domestication
Crop rotation
Biotechnology
Livestock ranching
Pastoralism
Pastoralism
“Pastoralism” is used to describe a certain type of animal husbandry. It generally involves a nomadic lifestyle, where the people move with their flocks to take advantage of seasonal changes, favorable climates, and so on. It has been practiced extensively throughout human history, but in the modern age is primarily practiced in sparsely populated parts of the world where more common agriculture is unsustainable.
Example Question #2 : Pastoralism
Which of the following options best exemplifies pastoralism?
A small, organic farm grows corn, soybeans and squash together in rows.
A group of nomadic shepherds tends flocks of goats and sheep in Eastern Africa.
A tribe in Brazil gets most of its subsistence by fishing, hunting and gathering.
A large farm grows a couple of profitable crops.
A group of nomadic shepherds tends flocks of goats and sheep in Eastern Africa.
Pastoralism refers to a strategy involving herding and tending to flocks of animals. It is often, but not always associated with a nomadic lifestyle.
The option referring to tending flocks of goats and sheep best exemplifies this idea.
Option: A tribe in Brazil gets most of its subsistence by fishing, hunting and gathering. Sounds more like subsistence. No mention of herding.
Option: A large farm grows a couple of profitable crops. Sounds more like plantation or cash cropping, but no mention of herding.
Option: A small, organic farm grows corn, soybeans and squash together in rows. Sounds more like mixed farming, no herding.
Example Question #3 : Pastoralism
Pastoralism is most commonly practiced in __________.
barren mountainous terrain
temperate communities in the northern hemisphere
fertile river valleys
fecund tropical climates
temperate communities in the southern hemisphere
barren mountainous terrain
“Pastoralism” is the name given to nomadic animal husbandry. A pastoral society is one that wanders in search of food or to follow its flock. Pastoralism is most commonly practiced in barren mountainous or arid terrains, particularly in Africa, Asia, and some parts of South America.
Example Question #1 : Pastoralism
Which of these statements about the changing prevalence of pastoralism is most accurate?
The practice of pastoralism is increasing in the developed world, but decreasing in the developing world.
The practice of pastoralism is decreasing in the developed world, but increasing in the developing world.
The practice of pastoralism is decreasing worldwide.
The practice of pastoralism is increasing worldwide.
The practice of pastoralism has remained largely unchanged for several hundred years.
The practice of pastoralism is decreasing worldwide.
The practice of “pastoralism,” or nomadic animal husbandry, is decreasing worldwide. It was once a widely practiced means of sustaining human populations, but has been replaced throughout most of the world by more refined and sustainable agricultural practices. It is still practiced in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America, but its influence continues to wane as agricultural technology continues to advance.
Example Question #4 : Pastoralism
The practice of moving livestock from low-lying regions in winter to mountainous regions in the summer is an example of __________.
pastoralism
desertification
irrigation
involuntary migration
transhumance
transhumance
“Transhumance” refers to the movement of livestock from one region to another to take advantage of different seasons. It is distinct from “pastoralism” because “pastoralism” involves following the herd, rather than directing it. The movement of livestock from valleys in the winter to mountainous regions in the summer is the classic example of “transhumance.”
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