AP Human Geography Unit 2: Population Dynamics and Composition

Population Distribution

The pattern of where people live on Earth's surface.

Ecumene

The portion of Earth’s surface occupied by permanent human settlement.

Mid-Latitudes

Regions between 30°N and 60°N where climates are moderate.

Low-Lying Areas

Areas with better soil fertility and access to oceans.

Fresh Water

Rivers and lakes that provide drinking water, irrigation, and transportation.

Arithmetic Density

The total number of people divided by total land area.

Physiological Density

The number of people per unit of arable land.

Agricultural Density

The ratio of the number of farmers to total arable land.

Economic Factors

Influences relating to job opportunities and industrial clusters.

Political Factors

Influences pertaining to government stability and safety.

Cultural Factors

Influences related to religion and ethnic communities.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that the environment can sustain indefinitely.

Overpopulation

When the population exceeds the carrying capacity.

Population Composition

Analysis of who makes up a population based on age, sex, and ethnicity.

Population Pyramid

A bar graph showing the age-sex structure of a population.

High Birth Rate Low Life Expectancy

Indicated by a wide base and tapering top in a population pyramid.

Slow or Stable Growth

Indicated by a rectangular shape in a population pyramid.

Negative Growth

Indicated by an inverted base in a population pyramid.

Sex Ratio

The number of males per 100 females in a population.

Dependency Ratio

A measure comparing the dependent population to the potential workforce.

Youth Dependency

When dependent population primarily includes those 0-14 years old.

Elderly Dependency

When dependent population primarily includes those 65 years old and above.

Ecological Fallacy

Assuming a country’s average applies uniformly across regions.

High Physiological Density

Indicates pressure on land to produce food.

Low Agricultural Density

Indicates higher efficiency and technology in farming.

Mistakes in Population Studies

Common errors include confusing density types and misreading pyramids.