AP Human Geography Unit 2 Exam Review

Introduction

• Overview of unit 2 exam preparation
• Importance of understanding population distribution and dynamics

Population Distribution

• Definition: The pattern of human habitation on Earth's surface.
• Humans are unevenly distributed across the Earth.
• Factors affecting population distribution:
  • Physical Factors
    • Climate: Harsh climates have low population density; mid-latitudes preferred for mild temperatures.
    • Landform: Lowland areas are preferred; mountainous regions sparsely populated.
    • Water Bodies: Settlements near water for resources and trade.
  • Human Factors
    • Culture: Cultural importance of a location (e.g., religious significance).
    • Economic: Areas with job opportunities attract more people.
    • History: Past distribution influences present distribution.
    • Politics: Political regimes and policies can force or attract migration.

Population Density

• Definition: Measure of how many people occupy a given unit of land.
• Methods of Calculation:
  • Arithmetic Density: Total population divided by total land area.
  • Physiological Density: Total population divided by arable land.
  • Agricultural Density: Farmers per unit of arable land.
• Importance of Density:
  • Affects political, economic, social processes, and environmental health.

Population Composition

• Age Structure
  • Age groups determine population growth trends.
  • Dependency Ratio: Ratio of dependents (under 15, over 65) to working-age population.
• Sex Ratio: Comparison of males to females in a population.
• Population Pyramid: Visual tool to analyze age and sex distribution.

Population Dynamics

• Fertility Rates: Indicate a population’s growth potential.
  • Crude Birth Rate: Births per thousand people.
  • Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children per woman.
• Mortality Rates: Indicate death rates and life expectancy.
  • Crude Death Rate: Deaths per thousand people.
  • Infant Mortality Rate: Deaths of infants under one year per thousand live births.
• Rate of Natural Increase (RNI): CBR minus CDR.
• Doubling Time: Time it takes for a population to double in size.

Theoretical Models

• Demographic Transition Model (DTM): Explains population changes through stages of industrialization.
• Epidemiological Transition Model (ETM): Explains changes in death rates through the lens of disease.
• Malthusian Theory: Predicted population growth would outpace food production.

Consequences of Population Growth/Decline

• Government Policies
  • Anti-Natalist: Decrease population growth (e.g., China’s one-child policy).
  • Pro-Natalist: Increase population growth via incentives.
  • Immigration Policies: Affect population size through migration.
• Role of Women
  • Access to education, healthcare, and employment affects fertility.

Migration

• Types of Migration
  • Forced: Due to war, persecution, etc.
  • Voluntary: Due to economic opportunity, etc.
• Push and Pull Factors: Reasons for migration.
• Effects of Migration:
  • Political, economic, and cultural effects on origin and destination countries.

Conclusion

• Understanding these concepts is critical for excelling in the AP Human Geography Unit 2 exam.