Test Your Basic Knowledge About Geography!
What well do you know about geography? Geography is the study of places and relationships between people and their environment. To learn geography, you need to study maps. Maps contain a plethora of valuable information. And they come in varying levels of detail. Make sure you pick maps that provide the information for which you are looking. This quiz will tell you what you know about basic geography.
- 1.
What pair of basic questions guides geographers in their work?
- A.
What is climate? Why has it changed?
- B.
When did Earth form? What is Earth made of?
- C.
Where are things located? Why are they there?
- D.
Who lived there? Where did they move?
Correct Answer
C. Where are things located? Why are they there?Explanation
Geographers are guided by the pair of basic questions "Where are things located?" and "Why are they there?". These questions help geographers understand the spatial distribution of various phenomena and analyze the reasons behind their specific locations. By studying the location of different features such as landforms, cities, ecosystems, and human settlements, geographers can identify patterns, relationships, and factors that influence their distribution. This knowledge is crucial in comprehending the interactions between humans and the environment, and it aids in making informed decisions regarding resource management, urban planning, and disaster mitigation.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Lines of latitude and longitude help geographers identify
- A.
Absolute location.
- B.
Depths of the oceans.
- C.
Earth's distance from the sun.
- D.
Heights of the mountains.
Correct Answer
A. Absolute location.Explanation
Lines of latitude and longitude are used to determine absolute location on the Earth's surface. Latitude lines run east-west and measure the distance north or south of the equator, while longitude lines run north-south and measure the distance east or west of the prime meridian. By using these lines, geographers can pinpoint the exact coordinates of a specific location, allowing for precise identification of absolute location.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What do geographers learn by studying the theme of human-environment interaction?
- A.
How people move from one region to another.
- B.
How people and the environment affect one another.
- C.
How cultural features define a location.
- D.
How regions differ from each other.
Correct Answer
B. How people and the environment affect one another.Explanation
Geographers learn about the relationship between humans and the environment through studying the theme of human-environment interaction. This includes understanding how human activities and decisions impact the natural environment, such as deforestation or pollution, as well as how the environment influences human behavior and societies, such as shaping settlement patterns or agricultural practices. By examining this interaction, geographers gain insights into the complex dynamics between humans and their surroundings, which is crucial for understanding environmental issues, planning sustainable development, and addressing challenges related to climate change and resource management.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The "push-pull" theory is used by scientists to explain
- A.
How people fight.
- B.
Mountains.
- C.
Immigration.
- D.
Farming methods.
Correct Answer
C. Immigration.Explanation
The "push-pull" theory is used by scientists to explain immigration. This theory suggests that people are pushed out of their home countries due to factors such as poverty, political instability, or conflict, while they are pulled towards other countries due to factors such as better economic opportunities, political stability, or social benefits. It helps to understand the motivations and factors that drive individuals or groups to migrate from one place to another.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What themes do geographers use to organize information?
- A.
Population, size of cities, location, movement, population density
- B.
Location, regions, place, movement, human-environment interaction
- C.
Transportation, absolute location, immigration, human interactions, culture
- D.
Climate, weather, temperature, precipitation, occupations
Correct Answer
B. Location, regions, place, movement, human-environment interactionExplanation
Geographers use location as a theme to organize information because it helps in understanding where things are located on the Earth's surface. Regions is another theme used to categorize areas with similar characteristics, such as physical or cultural features. Place focuses on the unique attributes of a location, including its physical and human characteristics. Movement is a theme that examines the flow of people, goods, and ideas between different locations. Lastly, human-environment interaction explores how humans interact with and modify their environment.Rate this question:
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- 6.
How long does it take Earth to complete one full rotation?
- A.
365 1/4 days
- B.
24 hours
- C.
12 months
- D.
12 hours
Correct Answer
B. 24 hoursExplanation
Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one full rotation. This is known as a day. The rotation of Earth on its axis causes the cycle of day and night. Each rotation takes 24 hours, resulting in a complete cycle of day and night. This is the reason why we experience a 24-hour day on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 7.
All flat maps have som sort of
- A.
Distortion
- B.
Key
- C.
Scale
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All flat maps have some sort of distortion because it is impossible to accurately represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat surface. This distortion can occur in various forms such as shape, size, or distance. The key is an essential element on a map that helps to understand the symbols and colors used to represent different features. Scale is also important as it provides a ratio between the distances on the map and the actual distances on the Earth's surface. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Fossil Fuels, resources made from prehistoric plants and animals, are an example of
- A.
Renewable resources.
- B.
Recyclable resources.
- C.
Reusable resources.
- D.
Nonrenewable resources.
Correct Answer
D. Nonrenewable resources.Explanation
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of prehistoric plants and animals over millions of years. These resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are finite in nature and cannot be replenished within a human lifetime. Therefore, they are considered nonrenewable resources.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?
- A.
75%
- B.
50%
- C.
25%
- D.
100%
Correct Answer
A. 75%Explanation
Approximately 75% of Earth's surface is covered by water. This includes the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. The large amount of water on Earth is vital for supporting various ecosystems and sustaining life.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How long does it take Earth to complete one full revolution?
- A.
365 1/4 days
- B.
24 hours
- C.
1 day
- D.
1 week
Correct Answer
A. 365 1/4 daysExplanation
Earth takes approximately 365 1/4 days to complete one full revolution around the sun. This is known as a tropical year or a solar year. The extra 1/4 day is why we have a leap year every four years, where an additional day is added to the calendar in February. This adjustment helps to keep our calendar in sync with the Earth's orbit around the sun.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Family unit that contains several generations is called a(n)
- A.
Nuclear family
- B.
Matriarchal family
- C.
Patriarchal family
- D.
Extended family
Correct Answer
D. Extended familyExplanation
An extended family is a family unit that includes multiple generations, such as grandparents, parents, and children, living together or in close proximity. This type of family structure allows for strong intergenerational bonds and support systems. Unlike a nuclear family, which consists of only parents and their children, an extended family provides a broader network of relationships and often includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. This term accurately describes a family unit that contains several generations, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What term is used to describe the process of customs and/or ideas moving from one place to another?
- A.
Cultural Diffusion
- B.
Cultural Migration
- C.
Cultural Immigration
- D.
Cultural Traits
Correct Answer
A. Cultural DiffusionExplanation
Cultural diffusion refers to the process of customs and ideas spreading from one place to another. It involves the transmission and adoption of cultural traits between different societies or regions. This can occur through various means such as trade, migration, colonization, or technological advancements. Cultural diffusion plays a significant role in shaping the diversity and evolution of cultures around the world.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Life expectancy is
- A.
The standard of living in an area.
- B.
How long the average person lives.
- C.
The length of employment in an area.
- D.
The expected type of life for a person in an area.
Correct Answer
B. How long the average person lives.Explanation
The correct answer is "how long the average person lives." Life expectancy refers to the statistical measure of the average number of years a person is expected to live based on factors such as age, gender, and other demographic variables. It does not directly relate to the standard of living, length of employment, or the expected type of life in an area.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The way people in a culture are organized into smaller groups is called
- A.
Social structure.
- B.
Class system.
- C.
Faculty.
- D.
Gangs.
Correct Answer
A. Social structure.Explanation
The correct answer is social structure. Social structure refers to the way people in a culture are organized into smaller groups. It encompasses various aspects such as social classes, roles, relationships, and institutions within a society. Class system, faculty, and gangs are not as comprehensive terms to describe the overall organization of individuals in a culture, unlike social structure.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is an example of a recyclable resource?
- A.
Plastic bottles
- B.
Paper
- C.
Water
- D.
Glass bottle
Correct Answer
C. Water -
- 16.
North, South, East, and West are called
- A.
Points on a map.
- B.
A Compass Rose.
- C.
A map's Key.
- D.
Cardinal directions.
Correct Answer
D. Cardinal directions.Explanation
The terms "North, South, East, and West" are commonly referred to as cardinal directions. These directions are used to navigate and locate specific points on a map or in the physical world. A compass rose is a graphical representation of the cardinal directions on a map, but it is not the correct answer in this case. Similarly, a map's key provides information about symbols and colors used on a map, but it is not related to the cardinal directions. Therefore, the correct answer is cardinal directions.Rate this question:
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- 17.
____________________ occurs when a culture borrows, exchanges, and accepts customs and ideas from another culture.
- A.
Acculturation
- B.
Cultural Diffusion
- C.
Acceptance
- D.
Cultural Migration
Correct Answer
A. AcculturationExplanation
Acculturation occurs when a culture borrows, exchanges, and accepts customs and ideas from another culture. This process involves the blending and integration of different cultural elements, leading to the adoption of new practices, beliefs, and values. It often happens as a result of contact and interaction between different cultures, leading to the mutual influence and transformation of both cultures involved. Acculturation can occur through various means such as trade, migration, colonization, and globalization, and it plays a significant role in shaping and enriching societies by promoting cultural diversity and understanding.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following is not one of the four major advancements in early culture?
- A.
System of Writing
- B.
Discovery of Fire
- C.
Invention of Tools
- D.
Herbal Medicines
Correct Answer
D. Herbal MedicinesExplanation
Herbal Medicines is not one of the four major advancements in early culture because the question is asking for advancements in early culture, and herbal medicines were not a significant advancement during that time. The other options, such as the system of writing, discovery of fire, and invention of tools, were all major advancements that had a significant impact on early cultures.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following is not one of the challenges of rapid population growth?
- A.
Lack of suitable housing
- B.
Spread of disease and sickness
- C.
Abundance of available jobs
- D.
Shortage of fresh water
Correct Answer
C. Abundance of available jobsExplanation
The given correct answer is "Abundance of available jobs". Rapid population growth typically leads to an increased demand for jobs, resulting in a shortage rather than an abundance of available jobs. This can lead to unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. The other options mentioned, such as lack of suitable housing, spread of disease and sickness, and shortage of fresh water, are commonly recognized as challenges associated with rapid population growth.Rate this question:
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- 20.
When farmers grow only enough food for their family, this is called
- A.
Commercial Farming.
- B.
Substance Farming.
- C.
Subsistence Farming.
- D.
Substitute Farming
Correct Answer
C. Subsistence Farming.Explanation
Subsistence farming refers to the practice of growing enough food to meet the basic needs of a farmer's family. In this type of farming, the focus is on self-sufficiency rather than producing surplus crops for sale or trade. The farmers typically use traditional methods and rely on their own labor and resources. Subsistence farming is commonly practiced in rural areas where access to modern agricultural techniques and markets may be limited.Rate this question:
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Nov 16, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 10, 2011Quiz Created by
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