AP Human Geography Unit 2 Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Steve Heimler
• Focus on understanding population distribution and density
• Two main factors affecting population distribution: Physical and Human

Population Distribution

• Definition: Pattern of human habitation on Earth
• Uneven distribution of population

Physical Factors

• Climate: More temperate areas (mid-latitudes) attract more people
• Landforms: Lowland areas are more populated; mountainous areas less so
• Water Bodies: Proximity to water sources has historically attracted settlements

Human Factors

• Culture: Places with cultural significance attract populations (e.g., Israel/Palestine)
• Economics: Jobs and resources availability influence settlement
• History: Past population trends influence current distribution (e.g., African Americans in the South)
• Politics: Unfavorable political regimes or policies can prompt migration

Population Density

• Definition: Measurement of how many people occupy a unit of land
• Three Methods:
  • Arithmetic Density: Total population / Total land area
  • Physiological Density: Total population / Arable land
  • Agricultural Density: Farmers / Arable land

Implications of Population Density

• Political: Affects representation and political power
• Economic: Determines spending on services and infrastructure
• Social: Access to services like hospitals and education
• Environmental: Affects land and resource use

Population Composition

• Age Structure: Distribution based on age groups
  • Dependency Ratio: Ratio of dependents (under 15 and over 65) to working-age population
• Sex Ratio: Comparison of males to females
• Population Pyramids: Graphical representation of age and sex distribution

Population Dynamics

• Fertility Rates: Measures of a population's ability to have children
  • Crude Birth Rate: Number of births per 1000 people annually
  • Total Fertility Rate: Average number of children a woman will have
• Mortality Rates: Measures of a population's rate of death
• Rate of Natural Increase: CBR - CDR
• Doubling Time: Time it takes for a population to double

Theoretical Models

• Demographic Transition Model: Stages of population growth/decline through history
• Epidemiological Transition Model: Focuses on changes in death rates due to disease
• Malthusian Theory: Predicts population growth will outpace food supply

Consequences of Population Growth/Decline

• Government Policies:
  • Anti-Natalist: Decrease birth rates (e.g., China's one-child policy)
  • Pro-Natalist: Increase birth rates (e.g., incentives for families)
• Role of Women: Impact of women's access to education, healthcare, and employment on fertility rates

Migration

• Definitions:
  • Immigration: Coming into a country
  • Emigration: Leaving a country
• Push and Pull Factors: Reasons for migration
  • Push: Negative factors (war, persecution)
  • Pull: Attractive factors (jobs, political stability)
• Types of Migration:
  • Forced vs. Voluntary
  • Transnational, Transhumance, Internal, Chain, Step, Guest Workers, Rural to Urban

Effects of Migration

• Political: Changes in power dynamics
• Economic: Effects on labor markets and remittances
• Cultural: Introduction of new cultural elements to destination countries

This comprehensive overview covers key concepts, influences, and implications of population dynamics and migration patterns crucial for the AP Human Geography Unit 2 exam.