Global Connections: Cultures & Society

A perceptual, vernacular, or uniform region is an area where people have shared values, shared history, or shared culture. The region may be based on religion or common ancestry.

A place is a location. In geography, there are two types of locations:

• Absolute location
• Relative location

An absolute location can be described by lines of latitude and longitude, which pinpoint it exactly on Earth’s surface. A street address is another example of an absolute location. A relative location explains where something is in relation to something else. For example, the statement that “the Seine River in France begins in northeast France, runs through Paris, and empties into the English Channel near LaHavre” tells the listener the general location of where the river flows but does not provide an exact (absolute) location.

Example

2211 Lower Avenue is an example of a(n) __.

The correct answer is D. It is an absolute location because it is described exactly.

Natural and cultural diversity are important aspects relating to the concept of borders between peoples and nations. Natural diversity refers to the plants and animals that are in ecosystems. Another name for natural diversity is biodiversity. Diversity applies to differences within species, among species, and among ecosystems. Diversity within species results from genetics. Does a person have blue eyes or brown? Blond hair or black? Genes determine such traits. When there is diversity among species, a region contains a variety of different plants and animals. For example, several species of squirrels, a species of deer, and a few species of rabbits may life in a forest region. Diversity also applies to differences among ecosystems. An ecosystem is a community of organisms connected to their environment. A rainforest ecosystem, for example, is located in a warm, tropical climate and has a variety of animals living in a forest that has an abundance of rain and a dense plant growth. El Yunque, a rainforest in Puerto Rico that has a variety of plants and animals, is the only rainforest in the U.S. forest system. The plants and animals living in an ecosystem depend on one another for food, water, and shelter.

Cultural diversity means there are a variety of groups within a society. The variety is based on culture and ethnicity. Culture includes shared values, beliefs, behaviors, language, and religion. Boston, Massachusetts, is a city in which many cultural groups live. Many Irish immigrants came to the city during the early and mid-1840s. They shared a common language, religion, values, and beliefs. They settled in the North End of the city near the waterfront. The Italians also settled the North End of Boston in the early 1800s. Today, they have carried on their culinary traditions by establishing restaurants featuring foods and recipes brought from their country and ancestors. The contributions of these two groups and others show the multiculturalism of the United States.

Cultural and natural diversity are connected because they are both important to the variety of the environment. Both need to be preserved, and both contribute to society.

Example

Which of the following regions includes desert ecosystems?

The correct answer is D. North Africa has dry areas where there is little vegetation and little rain. The environment is harsh and hostile to both plants and animals.

Geographic tools are used to obtain and analyze information to better society. Geographic tools include the following:

Geographic tools help explain ideas that can be difficult to explain in words. Maps, whether on paper or on GPS systems, can help locate landmarks, set transportation routes, and assist in fighting disease. Maps can show population densities, locations of religious and cultural groups, transportation centers, areas of rainfall, and weather areas. Keys and legends on a map help people interpret what information the map shows. When maps are drawn to scale, the scale is uniform.

Graphs and charts are particularly good for showing percentages and large numbers. Circle graphs may show percentages of ethnic groups in a populated area; a bar graph may show the rise or fall of unemployment over a four-decade period. A diagram is a drawing that shows how something works. As a geographic tool, a diagram may show how a transport system should work to efficiently move agricultural goods from farm to market.

A photograph or image from space can show Earth’s surface in detail. Photographs can show precise areas of forest that need to be replanted. They can also show the benefits of cultural diversity, issues with ecosystems, and weather patterns.

Example

Which geographical tool would be BEST to explain a historical event, such as the linking of the railroads that formed the first transcontinental railroad?

The correct answer is D. A photograph can show workers driving the “golden spike” to join the railroads.