East Asia Physical Geography

Which of the following has been the effect of physical features on the historical development of Japan?

• Japan's island location caused it to be frequently attacked by naval powers like Holland and Great Britain
• Its high population density encouraged social closeness while its island location protected it from conquest
• Its location in Asia made it subject to conquest by advancing Islamic armies from the Arabian Peninsula
• Its vast plains made it an important exporter of food to other Asian nations

A 9.1 earthquake and massive tsunami off of Japan in March 2011 were caused by -

• fault motion along a major transform fault in the region
• underground nuclear testing by North Korea
• the collapse of a major volcano in the region
• movement where the Pacific plate thrusts under the North American plate

Which statement best explains why the eastern half of China is more densely populated than the west?

• F        Conflict with Tibet has caused inhabitants to flee western China.
• Western China’s dry and mountainous climate and topography are less hospitable to human habitation
• F        Overgrazing has affected the west more than the east.
• Heavy monsoon rains and flooding have slowed the growth of population in western China

Which of the following best explains how physical features have influenced the distribution of population in China?

• Most Chinese live in China’s western mountainous areas with cooler temperatures
• Most Chinese live in the north where they are safe from attack by neighbors
• Most Chinese live either on China’s eastern plain, with its fertile river valleys, or along the coast
• Most Chinese live on China’s southern border with Indochina, where they can engage in trading activities

Tea requires large amounts of rainfall, a semi-tropical climate, and high elevation to grow properly. China is the world’s largest producer of tea because —

• the Chinese government has invested heavily in growing tea to earn foreign cash from exports
• growing tea requires special skills possessed by Chinese farmers but not found in many other countries
• nearby countries in South and Southeast Asia no longer grow or consume tea
• A  it receives rainfall from the monsoons, covers part of the Himalayan mountains, and has a large market for its tea