Page 7 - Chapter 1: How Geographers Look at the World

Geographers look at how physical features inter- ment affects human activities. For example, moun-
act with plant and animal life to create, support, or tains and deserts often pose barriers to human
change ecosystems. An ecosystem is a community movement. In other instances human activities,
of plants and animals that depend upon one such as building a dam, cause changes in the phys-
another, and their surroundings, for survival. ical environment. By understanding how the
earth’s physical features and processes shape and
Human Systems are shaped by human activity, geographers help
societies make informed decisions.
Geographers also examine how people shape the
world—how they settle the earth, form societies, and The Uses of Geography
create permanent features. A recurring theme in geo-
graphy is the ongoing movement of people, goods, Geography can provide insight into how physi-
and ideas. For example, migrants entering a long- cal features and living things developed in the
established society usually bring different ideas and past. It can also interpret present-day trends to
practices that may transform that society’s traditional plan for future needs. Governments, businesses,
culture. In studying human systems, geographers also and individuals use geographic information in
look at how people compete or cooperate to change planning and decision making. Data on physical
or control aspects of the earth to meet their needs. features and processes can determine whether a
site is suitable for human habitation or has
resources worth developing. Geographic informa-
Environment and Society tion on human activities, such as population
Human-environment interaction, or the study of trends, can help planners decide whether to build
the interrelationship between people and their new schools or highways in a particular place.
physical environment, is another theme of geogra- Geographic information helps determine where to
phy. Geographers examine the ways people use locate fire stations and shopping malls. As geogra-
their environment, how and why they have phers learn more about the relationships among
changed it, and what consequences result from people, places, and the environment, their knowl-
these changes. In some cases the physical environ- edge can help us plan and build a better future.

Checking for Understanding Critical Thinking Analyzing Diagrams
1. Define location, absolute location, 3. Categorizing Information Con- 6. Location Study the diagram of
hemisphere, grid system, relative sider the physical and human the hemispheres on page 20.
location, place, region, formal factors that constitute a region. In which hemispheres is Africa
region, functional region, percep- Identify the differences among located?
tual region, ecosystem, movement, formal, functional, and perceptual
human-environment interaction. regions. Applying Geography
2. Main Ideas In a web diagram, list 4. Drawing Conclusions How might
six elements in the study of geog- geographers’ knowledge of human 7. Relative Location Write a
raphy (hint: use the headings in systems benefit people? paragraph that describes
this section). Then explain how 5. Making Generalizations Explain the relative location of your
each is applied. how knowing about the geogra- school in at least five ways.
In what instances might rel-
phy of a particular city might ative location be more use-
influence your decision to move
Elements of Geography ful than absolute location?
there.
In what instances might
absolute location be more
useful?

22 Unit 1