AP Human Geography : Development of Cities

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Origin Of Cities

Organize the following human communities from least to most heavily populated:

City, Town, Hamlet, Megalopolis, Village

Possible Answers:

Town, Village, City, Hamlet, Megalopolis

Hamlet, Village, Town, City, Megalopolis

Town, Village, Megalopolis, Hamlet, City

Hamlet, Village, Town Megalopolis, City

Village, Town, Hamlet, City, Megalopolis

Correct answer:

Hamlet, Village, Town, City, Megalopolis

Explanation:

Hamlets are predominantly agricultural areas with some sparse human settlements, while villages are small aggregates of dwellings forming communities. Towns are larger aggregates of dwellings, while cities are even larger settlements. A megalopolis is formed when when urban expansion results in an overlap in development by cities in close proximity to one another, resulting in a network of high-density human settlements.

Example Question #2 : Origin Of Cities

The Feudal System __________ the growth of cities.

Possible Answers:

eliminated

inspired

assisted

had little effect on

significantly hindered

Correct answer:

significantly hindered

Explanation:

The Feudal System, which prevailed in Europe and other parts of the world throughout the Medieval Period, significantly hindered the growth of cities. In order for Feudalism to work, a large proportion of the population has to be tied to the land in the form of serfs, or peasant farmers. This hinders urbanization because there is little surplus labor and no established middle class.

Example Question #1 : Development Of Cities

Mexico City, one of the most populous cities in the world, sits on the same site as the capital of which of these American Empires?

Possible Answers:

Aztec

Shoshone

Nazca

Incan

Mayan

Correct answer:

Aztec

Explanation:

Mexico City, the largest city in Mexico and one of the most densely populated cities in the world, rests on the same site as the capital city of the Aztec Empire, called Tenochtitlan.

Example Question #4 : Development Of Cities

Which of these was a necessity for the settlement of the earliest cities?

Possible Answers:

A shared language

Religious institutions

A system of government

A surplus of food

A standing army

Correct answer:

A surplus of food

Explanation:

A surplus of food was necessary for the establishment of the world’s earliest cities. A surplus of food means that there is enough food to support population growth and, just as importantly, to support non-agricultural laborers and citizens. In order for buildings to be constructed, government to emerge, and a standing army to arise in a city a society must be able to support a proportion of the population in non-agricultural work.

Example Question #3 : Origin Of Cities

Which of these best describes the development of cities during the Renaissance Era (1400-1600)?

Possible Answers:

Rapid growth in the Americas; slight growth elsewhere

Slight growth throughout the world, but rapid decline in Africa

Slight growth in the Americas and Europe; rapid decline elsewhere

Rapid growth throughout the world

Rapid growth in Europe; sporadic decline elsewhere

Correct answer:

Rapid growth in Europe; sporadic decline elsewhere

Explanation:

During the Renaissance Era of European history, European cities experienced dramatic growth. Urbanization took place at a fast pace and colonial riches began to support a burgeoning middle class. However, throughout the rest of the world the impact of European conquest and disease led to sporadic and sometimes disastrous decline for many cities and civilizations. Cities like Tenochtitlan in modern-day Mexico and Cusco in modern-day Peru are two classic examples.

Example Question #1 : Development Of Cities

Most of the world’s first cities arose __________.

Possible Answers:

in close proximity to agricultural hearths

in close proximity to religious hearths

in temperate climates

in the northern hemisphere

in the southern hemisphere

Correct answer:

in close proximity to agricultural hearths

Explanation:

Human civilization began with the Neolithic Revolution, also called the First Agricultural Revolution, several thousand years ago. The first cities arose in close proximity to agricultural hearths like the Nile River because these regions could provide enough food to sustain a large population.

Example Question #2 : Development Of Cities

Which of these was not a function of an ancient city?

Possible Answers:

trade center

religious center

agricultural center

center of power

educational center

Correct answer:

agricultural center

Explanation:

Agriculture occurred mainly in rural areas surrounding the ancient city. Agricultural producers could then bring their crops and animal products to the ancient city to sell or trade, but they would not produce within the ancient city.

Example Question #1 : Forces Driving Urbanization

According to the Von Thunen model, what is the land closest to the urban center typically utilized for and why?

Possible Answers:

Cereal grains, because the market price tends to change rapidly and close proximity to the marketplace ensures farmers can get the best price for their crop.

Timber and forest products, because it is important to have a fuel and heat source nearby the urban area where it is consumed.

Cereal grains, because it is very difficult to keep grains from spoiling unless they have been heavily processed, like white flour or white rice.

Livestock and grazing, because meat products spoil quickly, especially in communities that do not have access to proper refrigeration.

Dairy and intensive agriculture, because the products are typically perishable and must be transported to markets quickly.

Correct answer:

Dairy and intensive agriculture, because the products are typically perishable and must be transported to markets quickly.

Explanation:

Cereal grains are typically more shelf-stable than dairy and garden vegetables, and livestock can be transported closer to urban markets for slaughter. Dairy, fruits and vegetables have the potential to spoil rapidly without refrigeration, so traditionally these farmlands are just outside the urban markets.

Example Question #2 : Forces Driving Urbanization

Which of the following was the first prerequisite for the start of urbanization?

Possible Answers:

Formal political organization

Agricultural surplus

Development of currency

Privatization of land ownership

Correct answer:

Agricultural surplus

Explanation:

The development of food surpluses, or more food than farmers need, allows a population of nonfarmers to exist. Those nonfarmers can specialize in the fields and conduct the services needed for the development of cities, which are fed by the farmers. After the development of agricultural surpluses, people can perform nonfarming jobs, including those related to politics, and formal political organizations can subsequently develop. Privitization of land ownership occurred before urbanization and does not influence its trajectory. And currency has been primarily an outgrowth of the social stratification that occurs as trade grows between farmers and nonfarmers.

Example Question #5 : Development Of Cities

Which of these was not a main reason for rural to urban migration?

Possible Answers:

cheaper housing

more access to health care

job opportunities

modern conveniences

educational opportunities

Correct answer:

cheaper housing

Explanation:

Housing in urban centers was actually more expensive than housing in rural areas, due to the high value of land. Since cities are much more densely populated than rural areas, the competition for land is greater, driving up the cost of housing.

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