2025 HONORS World Geography : Unit 6 - Russia & Central Asia

In what way did the physical geography of northern Europe affect the ethnic diversity of the region?

• Vast waterways across the plains blocked the flow of migrants.

• Multiple mountain ranges acted as a barrier to cultural convergence.

• Extremely cold climate conditions made it difficult to live in the region.

• A lack of significant physical barriers allowed for easy migration to the area.

The Caucasus is culturally diverse. A glance at a political map of the region suggests that simple borders separate the political entities in the Caucasus, but in fact . . . this compact region with its population of around 20 million includes upwards of 50 ethnic groups, and its linguistic variety is second only to that of New Guinea. 

—“Five Things Worth Knowing About the Caucasus,” Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting website, May 16, 2013

In what way did the physical geography of the Caucasus region contribute to the pattern described in the excerpt?

• A tropical climate attracted many immigrants to the region.

• Mountains isolated many groups that migrated to the region.

• Dense forest served as a barrier to migration across the region.

• Vast plains facilitated the migration of people across the region.

Which human modification is most responsible for the physical geographic changes to the Aral Sea?

• Overfishing by commercial enterprises

• Polluting from nearby mining operations

• Redirecting water to grow crops in the desert

• Constructing dams on the rivers feeding the lake

How do the Ural Mountains affect the distribution of climate regions in Russia?

• The northern side of the mountain range receives cool, rainy weather, while the southern side is a hot desert.

• The western side of the mountain range receives warm continental winds, while the eastern side is much cooler and drier.

• The western side receives cold, arctic weather, while the eastern side is protected from weather extremes and has a mild climate.

• The western side of the mountain range receives warm Mediterranean winds, while the eastern side is affected by Indian Ocean monsoon rains.

Russian territory nearest the Arctic Ocean experience low amounts of precipitation and low temperatures throughout the year creating a biome characterized by —

• tundra

• desert

• grasslands

• taiga forests

Where was this image likely taken and how does the character of this place reveal its location?

• This is likely eastern Siberia because of the wide-open, grassy fields.

• This is likely Central Asia because of the long history of nomadic life in the area.

• This is likely in the Caucasus because the region has a long history of breeding horses.

• This is likely western Russia because the environment lacks resources for stone or wood buildings.

Which geographic factors contribute to the population distribution pattern shown on the map?

• Southern areas have a higher population density due to nearby access to Indian Ocean trade routes.

• Northern regions have a higher population density due to easy access to the sea and better timberland.

• Western areas have a higher population density due to the warmer climate and more arable land than eastern areas.

• Eastern areas have a higher population density due to the flat terrain, allowing for extensive trade routes and the growth of trading cities.

Which cultural attraction would you most likely visit on a tour of Central Asia?

• Mosque

• Cathedral

• Mountain lodge

• Ice hockey arena

One of the most distinctive cultural features of culture in Central Asia includes —

• hunting rituals

• gender equality

• Islamic traditions

• speaking Russian

The use of this type of housing in Central Asia reflects a culture that is —

• settled and agrarian

• maintaining traditional customs

• transforming because of industrialization

• adopting traditions of neighboring cultures