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

The Iberian Pig

The Iberian pig has dark skin with a sparse coat, a pointed snout, and long, slender legs. The genetic trait of this breed is its ability to store fat in muscle tissue, the key to the unmistakable flavor and texture of Iberian hams.

Grazing in the Dehesa

Here, pastures are in fact open woodlands of holm oaks and cork oaks. A traditional, well-balanced diet that is essential to the quality of its meat. The dehesa pastureland is one of the best-preserved ecosystems in Europe, where Iberian pigs breed side by side with wild species, such as rabbits, lizards, or imperial eagles.

Forest Exploitation

Advantages

• The production of wood (to create houses).
• The production of paper (to write).
• The production of furniture.
• Cork
• Resin

Disadvantages

• Forests

Tropical Rainforests

These places receive a large amount of rain. In the rainforest, many plants can easily have their needs met. These places have more species than all other biomes. In any environment, some organisms survive well, while others do not. Organisms have structures that help them survive in their ecosystem.

Deciduous Forests

A deciduous forest may grow in cooler places that do not receive a huge amount of rain. These forests have trees such as oaks, elms, and maples. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the colder autumn and winter months. Losing leaves helps trees save food and water during the winter.

Grassland Biomes

Grasslands once covered a huge area of the Midwest America. Now, most of these grasslands have been turned into farms.... Continue reading "Earth's Major Biomes: Climate, Flora, and Fauna" »

Culture and Its Impact

What is Culture?

Culture is the set of beliefs, values, and practices that a group of people has in common. It includes various aspects of life such as language, religion, cuisine, music, sports, architecture, holidays, and traditions.

Cultural Diffusion

Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural traits from one region to another. It often occurs when people move from one place to another, taking their traditions and ideas with them, which then become popular in the new location.

Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity refers to the state of having a variety of cultures in the same area. This creates an interesting mix of ideas, behaviors, and practices, but can also lead to conflict.

Cultural Traits and Regions

A culture trait... Continue reading "Understanding Culture, Population, and Globalization" »

Economic Globalization and Developing Nations

Introduction to Globalization

"Globalization" emerged in the 1980s, describing the increasing interconnectedness of populations through cross-border movement of people, knowledge, goods, and money. This process has significant economic, political, social, and cultural implications. Often associated with modernization and the shift towards Western industrialization, globalization presents both opportunities and challenges at local and global levels.

Globalization sparks debates regarding its effects. While some view it as a catalyst for economic growth and knowledge dissemination, others see it as a source of exploitation and a threat to traditional cultures. Some even link negative aspects of globalization... Continue reading "Economic Globalization and Developing Nations: Impacts and Challenges" »

1. What is Development?

Stark economic and social contrasts exist worldwide, leading to the classification of countries into:

• Developed Countries
• Transition Countries
• Less Developed Countries

1.1. Country Classifications

2. Measuring Development

Several... Continue reading "Global Economic Disparities: A Development Perspective" »

Latitude: Temperature increases as you go south. Precipitation is higher in the north. Relief: Altitude causes temperature to fall and precipitation to rise. Mountain ranges are barriers that block air masses. The influence of the sea makes coastal temperature milder and increases the contrast in temperature in the interior.

Oceanic Climate: Galicia to País Vasco

Temperature is mild with no great contrasts, cool winters, and mild summers. There is abundant and regular precipitation with very few dry months. Vegetation is characterized by deciduous forests of oaks and beeches, meadows, and grasslands.

Mediterranean Climate: Mediterranean coast and interior

Precipitation is moderate (800-300) and irregular with droughts in summer. Temperature doesn'... Continue reading "Climate and Vegetation Types in Spain" »

The Colonization of Africa

Causes of Colonization

• Finance capitalism: The rise of finance capitalism during this period led to the need for new markets and sources of raw materials and energy outside of Europe.
• White supremacy: White people felt superior to the indigenous people of Africa and believed it was their duty to bring their culture and religion to them.
• Overpopulation and unemployment: The growth of the population in Europe and the use of machinery in factories had caused high levels of unemployment, leading people to seek new opportunities abroad.

Steps of Colonization

1. Occupation: The land was occupied by conquest, thanks to the military advantage of the colonizers.
2. Administration: Political and administrative control was established by

Globalization: A Closer Look

Advantages of Globalization

Globalization allows countries to specialize in what they do best. For example, if a country imports cheap steel, it can focus on other industries like technology.

It expands market reach, enabling businesses to sell more goods, generate higher profits, and create more jobs.

Consumers benefit from lower prices and faster access to new products.

Disadvantages of Globalization

Globalization can lead to job losses in developed countries as companies relocate factories to countries with cheaper labor.

It may exacerbate environmental problems as companies seek locations with less stringent regulations.

Globalization can create financial instability. The emerging markets crisis of the 1990s demonstrates... Continue reading "Globalization: Advantages, Disadvantages, and the Future" »

The Rise of Suburbia: A Post-War Haven

In the aftermath of two devastating world wars and the looming threat of nuclear conflict, American families sought stability and refuge within the suburban home. Suburban developments lured buyers with promises of verdant open spaces and a sense of peace unattainable in urban environments. Historian Kenneth Jackson described the post-World War II single-family tract house as a"private haven in a heartless world" despite its aesthetic shortcomings.

The Construction of Levittown

However, not all Americans could access this suburban tranquility. A severe housing shortage, fueled by the baby boomer generation and plummeting construction, left many families struggling for shelter. The Levittowns in Long Island,... Continue reading "The Rise and Controversies of Suburbia: From Post-War Haven to Levittown's Exclusionary Practices" »