Chapter 1: Essentials of Geography Quiz

The term "geography" (geo graphein) literally means

• place names.
• the study of rocks.
• map making.
• to write (about) Earth.

Physical geography involves the spatial analysis of Earth’s physical environment.

• True
• False

The word "spatial" refers to

• the nature and character of physical space and the distribution of things within it.
• the organization of human societies in relation to the physical environment.
• the point at which a system can no longer maintain its character and lurches into a new operational level.
• the chronological organization of Earth's major geological events.

The main methodology governing geographic inquiry

• is behavioral analysis.
• involves spatial analysis.
• uses chronological organization.
• is field work based.

Relative to the five themes of geographic science, resource management and sustainable growth refer to

• location. 
• place.
• human-Earth relationships.
• movement.

A system is best described as

• the capacity to change the motion of, or to do work on, matter.
• mass that assumes a physical shape and occupies space.
• the point at which characteristics can no longer be maintained and a new state is adopted.
• any set of ordered, interrelated components working as a unified whole.

Which of the following is incorrect?

• Earth represents a vast integrated system.
• Earth represents an open system in terms of energy.
• Earth represents a closed system in terms of matter.
• New resources and matter are being added to Earth's systems all the time.

What type of feedback maintains stability in a system; i.e., what type of feedback keeps a system functioning properly?

• positive
• negative
• open
• closed

As arctic temperatures rise, summer sea ice and glacial melt accelerates; lighter color surfaces are thereby replaced with darker-colored surfaces leading to more absorption and surface heating. This is an example of a(n) ________ feedback.

• negative
• positive
• dynamic
• closed

Which of the following statements about Earth's shape is correct?

• Earth is perfectly spherical.
• The polar diameter is 42 km (26 mi.) greater than the equatorial diameter.
• The equatorial diameter is 42 km (26 mi.) greater than the polar diameter.
• Earth is a prolate spheroid.