AP Human Geography : Forces Driving Urbanization
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Development Of Cities
According to the Von Thunen model, what is the land closest to the urban center typically utilized for and why?
Dairy and intensive agriculture, because the products are typically perishable and must be transported to markets quickly.
Livestock and grazing, because meat products spoil quickly, especially in communities that do not have access to proper refrigeration.
Cereal grains, because it is very difficult to keep grains from spoiling unless they have been heavily processed, like white flour or white rice.
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 the market price tends to change rapidly and close proximity to the marketplace ensures farmers can get the best price for their crop.
Dairy and intensive agriculture, because the products are typically perishable and must be transported to markets quickly.
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 #1 : Development Of Cities
Which of the following was the first prerequisite for the start of urbanization?
Development of currency
Agricultural surplus
Privatization of land ownership
Formal political organization
Agricultural surplus
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 #1 : Development Of Cities
Which of these was not a main reason for rural to urban migration?
modern conveniences
cheaper housing
educational opportunities
job opportunities
more access to health care
cheaper housing
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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