APHG Unit 1 Vocab Practice Quiz

Absolute location refers to the exact point on the Earth defined by a coordinate system. It provides a fixed reference point unlike relative location which describes a place in relation to others.

Place is the term used to describe the distinct physical and cultural characteristics that give a location its identity. It encompasses both the natural and human-made features that characterize an area.

A formal region is identified by a high degree of uniformity in one or more phenomena, such as language or economic activity. Its boundaries are often officially recognized or imposed for administrative purposes.

Contagious diffusion is the spread of an idea or innovation through direct, person-to-person contact. This process is similar to the way a contagious disease spreads quickly among nearby individuals.

A vernacular region is delineated by the common perceptions and cultural identity of the people who live there. It is based on shared values and traditions rather than officially defined boundaries.

Diffusion is the process by which cultural traits or innovations spread from one area to another over time. It explains how cultural practices and ideas are transmitted across space and populations.

Scale in geography refers to the spatial extent being examined, ranging from local to global perspectives. It is crucial for understanding how geographic processes vary depending on the level of analysis.

A functional region is organized around a central node where specific activities or services are concentrated. Its boundaries are determined by the interactions and functional linkages that extend outward from the core.

Hierarchical diffusion occurs when ideas or innovations spread from influential urban centers to smaller, subordinate areas. It emphasizes a tiered pattern of diffusion based on the importance of the originating location.

A vernacular region is defined by how its residents perceive their area, often without precise boundaries. This subjective concept reflects cultural identity and community attachment rather than official demarcations.

The cultural landscape is the tangible outcome of human activities, including buildings, roads, and agricultural patterns. It reflects the interaction between people and their environment over time.

Urbanization is the process by which an increasing percentage of a population lives in cities and urban centers. This shift is driven by economic opportunities and access to resources found in urban areas.

Diffusion refers to the process by which cultural elements, ideas, or innovations move from one geographic area to another. It is a fundamental mechanism in human geography that explains cultural and technological spread.

Globalization is the process that increasingly links economies, cultures, and political systems around the globe. It results in greater cultural exchanges and economic integration among diverse regions.

Relocation diffusion involves the spread of cultural traits or innovations as people physically move from one place to another. It highlights the role of human migration in the transmission of ideas.

Possibilism suggests that while the environment offers possibilities, humans have the agency to modify and utilize these possibilities in diverse ways. This perspective contrasts with environmental determinism by emphasizing human adaptability and innovation.

Situation refers to the relative location of a place, considering its connections and interactions with surrounding areas. It is a key concept in geography used to assess a location's economic and strategic advantages.

Core-Periphery describes a spatial arrangement in which a dominant core area exerts control over and benefits at the expense of outer, less-developed peripheral areas. It is used to analyze disparities in economic development and access to resources.

The Demographic Transition Model outlines the stages a society goes through as it industrializes, characterized by declines in birth and death rates. It is critical for understanding the changes in a nation's population over time.

Stimulus diffusion occurs when an innovation is not transferred verbatim but instead is adapted to suit the cultural context of the receiving society. This process demonstrates how core ideas can be transformed as they spread across different regions.