Unit 3 of AP Human Geography delves into the fascinating world of population dynamics and migration patterns. Mastering the key vocabulary is crucial for success. This comprehensive guide breaks down essential terms, providing clear definitions and real-world examples to solidify your understanding.
Key Terms & Concepts: Population
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Population Distribution: The pattern of where people live across Earth's surface. Consider the uneven distribution; high population density in coastal areas and river valleys versus sparsely populated deserts.
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Population Density: The number of people per unit of area (e.g., people per square kilometer). High population density often indicates urban areas, while low density suggests rural areas or uninhabitable regions.
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Carrying Capacity: The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given available resources. This is a dynamic concept, influenced by technological advancements and resource management.
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Demographic Transition Model (DTM): A model showing the change in population growth patterns as countries develop economically. Stages include high birth and death rates, declining death rates, declining birth rates, and low birth and death rates. Understanding each stage and its associated factors is paramount.
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Birth Rate (Crude Birth Rate): The number of live births per 1,000 people in a population per year. This is a key indicator of population growth potential.
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Death Rate (Crude Death Rate): The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a population per year. Factors influencing death rates include access to healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition.
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Rate of Natural Increase (RNI): The difference between the birth rate and the death rate; it indicates the natural growth of a population without considering migration.
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Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. TFRs vary significantly across the globe, influenced by factors like education levels, access to contraception, and cultural norms.
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Life Expectancy: The average number of years a person is expected to live at birth. Life expectancy is a crucial indicator of overall societal well-being and healthcare access.
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Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): The number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births. A high IMR suggests inadequate healthcare and sanitation.
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Population Pyramid: A graphical representation showing the age and sex composition of a population. Analyzing population pyramids reveals important information about a country’s age structure, growth potential, and dependency ratio.
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Dependency Ratio: The ratio of people who are too young or too old to work (dependents) to the working-age population. A high dependency ratio can strain economic resources.
Key Terms & Concepts: Migration
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Migration: The permanent or semi-permanent relocation of people from one place to another.
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Emigration: Migration from a location.
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Immigration: Migration to a location.
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Net Migration: The difference between the number of immigrants and the number of emigrants. Positive net migration indicates more people are moving into a region.
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Push Factors: Factors that induce people to leave a location (e.g., war, poverty, famine).
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Pull Factors: Factors that attract people to a new location (e.g., job opportunities, better living conditions).
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Ravenstein's Laws of Migration: A set of 11 "laws" summarizing observed patterns of migration. These laws offer a framework for understanding migration flows and their characteristics.
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Chain Migration: Migration based on kinship links; migrants follow the routes of previous migrants from their home community.
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Step Migration: Migration that occurs in stages, such as from a rural village to a nearby town, then to a larger city.
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Intervening Opportunity: The presence of a closer and more attractive opportunity that diminishes the likelihood of a migrant choosing a more distant destination.
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Forced Migration: Movement of people against their will, often due to conflict, persecution, or disaster. Examples include the transatlantic slave trade and refugee flows.
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Voluntary Migration: Movement of people by their own free will, often driven by economic or social factors.
Applying the Vocabulary
To truly master this vocabulary, apply it! Analyze population pyramids, interpret migration maps, and discuss case studies. The more you actively engage with these terms in context, the better you will understand the complex dynamics of population and migration. Remember to connect the concepts – how do birth rates and death rates influence population pyramids? How do push and pull factors relate to migration patterns? By building these connections, you'll gain a deeper comprehension of this critical unit in AP Human Geography.
