Name: _____________
Final - Study Guide*
The Discipline of Geography
1. What is the definition of “Geography?” What are the two main branches?
2.
Give an example of each of the five themes of geography. They are:
a. Location – (absolute & relative) “Where something is”
b.
Region – “A geographical area that shares common features” (you may comment on formal,
perceptual, and/or functional regions)
c.
Place – “What is it that makes an area unique?”
d.
Human-Environment Interaction – “How does our environment influence our lives?” “How do we
interact with and influence the environment?”
e.
Movement – “How do goods and ideas get from one place to another?”
3. What is cartography, and why is it important to the study of geography?
4.
Explain why it is difficult to take a 3-D object, such as the globe, and make it into a 2-D object, such as a
map? What happens in all map projections to the apparent area, size, distance, layout, and orientation of the
earth’s landmasses when projected onto a map?
Name: _____________
5.
For the organizer below, fill in the relevant info for each type of map projection.
Projection
Distortion
Benefit
Use
Planar
Cylindrical
Conical
1.
Which area of the earth receives the MOST direct sunlight throughout the course of a year? What is the
climate like in these places?
2.
Which areas of the earth receive the LEAST direct sunlight throughout the course of a year? What is the
climate like in each of these places?
3.
Which areas of the planet have the most extreme differences between length of day and length of night
throughout the course of a year? Why is this?
Terms for Specific Areas of the World
North America
Indigenous cultures – land bridge
Colonization, Jamestown, Plymouth & Massachusetts Bay,
Fall Line, Piedmont, Appalachian Mountains
Rust Belt, Sun Belt, Dairy Belt, Corn Belt, Wheat Belt
Canada and Mexico:
Mexican Plateau, Valley of Mexico, Mexico City, Baja California , Sinkholes, Yucatan
Peninsula,
Regionalism, Separatism, Canadian Shield, Regions of Canada, Provinces, Hinterland
Latin America
Inca, Aztec, Maya:
Colonization, mestizo, plantation/hacienda, conquistadores
Name: _____________
Middle East
Islam, (Shi’ism, Sunni); Judaism, (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform); Christianity (how do these
three religions clash in the Middle East)
Arab-Israeli Conflict, - divisions within Jerusalem
Maps:
Physical features of various continents and countries
Labeling 25 countries/ physical features will earn you 75% on the map section; labeling 50
countries/physical features will earn you 100%
Essay questions: you will only have to answer one (use at least 3 specific examples from class
and your readings within your answers)
A. Argue the importance of the human-environment interaction in the formation of the
various unique cultures across the world. Be sure to consider the impacts of climate,
landforms, vegetation, and wildlife.
ie: how does Inuit culture reflect their environment
B. Prove that movement has had a tremendous impact on physical geography and human
geography across the world. Be sure to discuss land use, plant and animal distributions,
social organization, politics, and resource allocation.
ie: how did the colonization of Latin America impact the physical and human
geography of the continent?
Geography Final Exam Guidelines

Students are to receive one of each of the following:
Final Exam - Geography (test booklet)
Answer Sheet - Maps
Scantron form (to complete questions)

Students are allowed one 5x7 card with notes. Notes may be on both sides of the card.

Students should complete their essay on separate, white lined paper.