Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

The Tertiary Sector

The tertiary sector encompasses activities that do not produce material goods but provide services to individuals, companies, and the government. This sector is a key indicator of a country's economic development and employs a significant portion of the workforce in developed nations.

Importance of the Tertiary Sector

The tertiary sector plays a crucial role in modern economies. In developed countries, it provides jobs for approximately 60% of the active population. For instance, in Spain, it accounts for 76% of employment and over 72% of GDP. A thriving tertiary sector is a hallmark of a developed economy, often accompanied by a welfare state.

Classification of Services

Services within the tertiary sector can be categorized... Continue reading "The Tertiary Sector: A Comprehensive Guide" »

Species Roles in Communities

Niche and Species Roles

A species' niche defines its way of life within a community, including its role and interactions. Species roles can be categorized as:

• Generalist: Tolerates a wide range of conditions and resources.
• Specialist: Has a narrow range of tolerance, specific food and habitat requirements, and low reproductive rates.

Specific Roles

• Native Species: Originate in a particular area.
• Non-native Species: Introduced to an area, either accidentally or intentionally.
• Indicator Species: Sensitive to environmental changes, serving as a biological "smoke alarm."
• Keystone Species: Play a critical role, influencing the types and abundance of other species (e.g., pollinators, top predators).
• Foundation Species: Create or

Kingdom of Asturias

Pelayo defeated the Muslims in the Battle of Covadonga in 722, marking the start of the Christian Reconquest of Al-Andalus. Under Pelayo's successors, Oviedo became the capital. Alfonso III advanced the territory due to conflicts in the Emirate of Córdoba. In the 10th century, the capital moved to León.

Kingdom of León

Fernán González established his authority over all of Castile but was a vassal of the King of León. Fernando I became king in Castile in 1035 and in 1037, he became king of León. In 1157, the kingdom split again: Fernando II ruled León and Alfonso VIII ruled Castile. Fernando III inherited León in 1230 and in 1217, he inherited Castile.

Crown of Castile

The Crown of Castile had the same institutions and... Continue reading "Kingdoms of Asturias, León, Aragón, and Navarre: A History of Medieval Spain" »

Economic Impacts of the Black Death in England

A Turning Point in Medieval Europe

These are wheat price data and wages in England, expressed in index numbers. They provide insights into the general history of agriculture in Western Europe between the Middle Ages (500) and industrialization (1850), specifically focusing on the period of 1320-1479. This era encompasses the High Middle Ages, the period before, during, and after the Great Famine and Black Death of the fourteenth century.

The data reveals a clear turning point around 1340-1360, coinciding with the onset of the devastating crisis of the fourteenth century. This period witnessed a significant shift in the economic landscape of England and Western Europe.

Key Themes:

• The evolution of the

Main Features of Tourism in Spain

In Spain, the international movement of passengers is focused in the airports of Madrid and Barcelona. However, there is also a significant flow of passengers through airports located in and near popular tourist destinations, such as Palma, Malaga, and Tenerife. Efforts are being made to increase the use of air transport for merchandise by improving cargo sections of airports.

Importance of Tourism in Spain

Spain is one of the main global centers for tourism, with 59.8 million tourists visiting in 2014. Tourism contributed almost 12% to GDP. Favorable factors influencing the development of tourism in Spain include the proximity to a European customer base, natural conditions with hot summers and excellent beaches,... Continue reading "Tourism in Spain: Main Features and Types of Tourism" »

Environmental Resistance and Carrying Capacity

Environmental resistance encompasses all factors influencing population growth and size. These factors include:

Biotic Factors

• Food availability
• Predators
• Competitors
• Disease

Abiotic Factors

• Temperature
• Oxygen availability
• Toxins and pollutants

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that a habitat can support. When a population reaches its carrying capacity, environmental resistance becomes dominant, increasing the death rate and/or decreasing the birth rate.

Biotic Potential

Biotic potential refers to the inherent ability of a species to reproduce.

Human Population Growth

Medical Revolution

Improvements in sanitation and infectious disease control significantly reduced the death rate.... Continue reading "Environmental Resistance, Population Growth, and Sustainable Agriculture" »

Rise of Nazi Regime

The consolidation of Nazis in power began with the Reichstag fire on February 27, 1933. They accused communists and persecuted them, making all other political parties illegal. Hitler eliminated potential rivals in the Night of Long Knives in June 1934, assassinating SA members. After Hindenburg's death, Hitler became president and held all top positions, starting his dictatorship. He introduced anti-Semitic policies, banning Jews from professions in 1933, marriages in 1935, and leading to the Night of Broken Glass in 1938.

Nazi Economy

The Nazis established the 'Beauty of Work' propaganda initiative, abolished trade unions, and banned strikes. They attempted autarchy but focused on public works, military rearmament, and heavy... Continue reading "Rise of Nazi Regime and USSR Economic Policies" »

UNIT 2

Pollution: contamination of the soil, water or air / the process of polluting the air, water… especially by means of poisonous chemicals. 
Environment: the natural world around us. Medioambiente
(to be) green: to be eco-friendly / concerned with protecting the natural world.
Waste: material which has been used and is no longer wanted / used too much.
Reuse: use again. Reutilizar
Recycle: process things that have already been used so they can be used again.
Rubbish  bin: a container for unwanted things or waste material, such as used paper, empty bins and bottles… Papelera
Bottle bank: a container for used glass that you want to recycle. Contenedor de Botellas
Throw away: get rid of / discard something that you don’t want by putting it... Continue reading "Pollution and Environmental Issues: A Glossary of Terms" »

Population Dynamics

Natural Population Change

Natural population change refers to increases and decreases in population produced by biological factors.

Migration

Migration involves a change of residence and job. It can be internal or external.

Population Structure

Population structure is the classification of population based on different criteria.

Population Density

Population density is the relation between the population and the size of the area it occupies.

Natality

Natality is the number of births that take place in a population over a year.

Mortality

Mortality is the number of deaths that take place in a population over a year.

Natural Increase

Natural increase is the number of births minus the number of deaths.

Emigration

Emigration is people leaving... Continue reading "Population Dynamics and Settlements: A Comprehensive Study" »

City Centers

The activities of a city's inhabitants influence the way a city is organized. Although these activities are often found all over the city, many of them are concentrated in the distinctive place known as the city center. The city center has its own character and is a reference point for its citizens and for visitors. The city centers of many cities, particularly European cities, have historic and emblematic buildings, as well as the headquarters of companies and public administration bodies (councils, ministries, etc.). City centers also host shopping areas and entertainment centers. North American city centers contain the CBD (Central Business District), which features a landscape of skyscrapers and tertiary sector activities. The... Continue reading "City Centers and Urban Hierarchy: A Comparative Analysis" »