World Geography Beginning-of-Year Diagnostic Test

What causes the change of seasons on Earth?

• Rotation of the Earth

• Earth's tilt and revolution around the Sun

• Ocean currents

• Gravitational pull of the Moon

Which of the following is NOT a physical process that shapes Earth’s surface?

• Erosion

• Tectonic activity

• Cultural diffusion

• Volcanic activity

The process of moving soil and rock from one place to another is called:

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Sedimentation

Which climate factor is most affected by elevation?

• Precipitation

• Temperature

• Ocean currents

• Wind direction

(Map Skill) Look at the world map provided.

• Circle and label the Equator on the world map.

• Circle and label the Prime Meridian on the world map.

• Circle and label the Tropic of Capricorn on the world map.

Which factor has the greatest influence on the type of climate a region has?

• Longitude

• Latitude

• Time zone

• Political boundaries

The Amazon Rainforest is an example of which biome?

• Desert

• Tropical rainforest

• Tundra

• Grassland

Explain how mountain barriers affect climate.

• Mountain barriers can block the movement of moist air, causing one side to receive more precipitation (windward side) and the other side to be drier (leeward side).

• Mountain barriers increase the temperature on both sides equally.

• Mountain barriers have no effect on precipitation patterns.

• Mountain barriers cause both sides to receive the same amount of rainfall.

Which of the following is an example of humans adapting to their environment?

• Building dams to control flooding

• Wearing warm clothing in cold climates

• Cutting down forests to build cities

• Burning fossil fuels for energy

What is the primary purpose of desalination?

• To remove salt from seawater

• To clean polluted rivers

• To irrigate crops using rainwater

• To generate electricity