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

1. Agrarian Space

Agrarian space encompasses economic activities focused on obtaining resources from nature. This includes:

• Agriculture: Cultivating land for plants and food, providing sustenance, industrial materials, and livestock feed.
• Livestock Farming: Raising animals for various purposes, including food, industrial materials, and sometimes labor.
• Silviculture: Utilizing woodland for food and raw materials.
• Fishing: Harvesting aquatic animals for food and other products.

1.1 Definition: Agrarian space specifically refers to land used for agrarian activities.

1.2 Global Impact: In 2013, agrarian activities employed 36.8% of the global population. This sector employs over 50% of the population in many underdeveloped countries, contributing significantly... Continue reading "Understanding Agrarian and Rural Spaces: Activities, Factors, and Impacts" »

The Suburbs

In the 20th century, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s, urban growth led to the creation of vast suburban outskirts adjacent to historical cities. These areas were subject to characteristic zoning laws that segregated them into residential, industrial, and service-sector zones.

Residential Zones

Residential zones vary based on residents' buying power, resulting in social segregation: slums for disadvantaged or marginalized groups; tower block neighborhoods of varying sizes and qualities for the middle and lower classes; and exclusive single-family housing developments for the upper classes.

Industrial Zones

Industrial zones house factories that have relocated from city centers, as well as new industries seeking lower land prices... Continue reading "Suburbanization: Urban Growth and the Creation of Rural-Urban Areas" »

Smoking: A Controversial Habit

Arguments For and Against Smoking

Smokers often cite pleasure, stress relief, and social acceptance as reasons for their habit. They may also have grown up in environments where smoking was normalized.

Non-smokers, however, highlight the severe health risks associated with smoking, including lung cancer, bronchitis, and asthma. They also point out the financial burden and negative aesthetic effects of smoking.

Addressing the Issue

It's crucial for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators to collaborate on solutions to combat smoking addiction and support those seeking to quit.

Environmental Concerns: Protecting Our Planet

The Impact of Pollution

Pollution poses a significant threat to human health, causing... Continue reading "Global Issues: Smoking, Environment, and Migration" »

Consumer Motivation in Tourism

Client motivation arises when consumers satisfy their needs and their perception of the attractions aligns. Motivation factors include:

• Religion
• Education
• Sightseeing
• Health
• Relaxation
• Sports
• Socialization
• Business

Factors that enable motivation include:

• Time
• Money
• Money Exchange
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Health Standards
• Testimonials/Passport

Tour Operator Business Model: TUI Example

TUI has shifted its business model to improve its market target, primarily due to diversification. They have invested in their own product offerings, enabling them to create unique holidays for their customers. This is a key differentiation factor from their competitors. A TUI customer could be inspired by TUI, book with TUI, and then experience... Continue reading "Tourism Market: Consumer Motivation & Impacts" »

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a discipline that uses technology in biological processes. It uses living organisms to obtain particular products or processes.

Traditional Biotechnology

Traditional biotechnology uses microorganisms in production processes to complete them or increase their efficiency.

Areas Where It Is Used

• Food: Bread is made thanks to the fermentation produced by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Alcoholic drinks also use S. cerevisiae, and cheese and other dairy products are made by allowing certain bacteria to ferment.
• Healthcare: Vaccines are made by using fragments of microorganisms or weakened ones, and antibiotics are made by certain molds.
• Environmental: Bacteria are used to eliminate organic matter in sewage. It is also

Understanding Services and Trade

What are Services?

Services encompass all activities that do not directly produce tangible goods but fulfill people's wants and needs. In developed countries, the service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, contributes over 70% of wealth and employment.

Types of Services

Services can be categorized into two main types:

• Public Services: Financed by the state through taxes.
• Private Services: Offered by private companies or individuals.

Location of Services

Traditionally, services were primarily located in urban areas. However, with advancements in technology, many advanced services, particularly those involving new technologies, are concentrated in business districts within metropolitan areas.

Improvements in communication... Continue reading "Understanding Services and Trade: A Comprehensive Guide" »

The Modern Age

A New Historical Period

The Modern Age (15th-18th centuries) is generally considered to have begun with the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453 or with the discovery of America in 1492, and it ended with the French Revolution in 1789.

The Modern Age is divided into several sub-periods:

* 16th century: Renaissance period * 17th century: Baroque period * 18th century: Enlightenment and Absolutism

Changes in the 15th and 16th Centuries

From the mid-15th century to the 16th century, the international landscape underwent significant changes due to these events:

* The disappearance of the Byzantine Empire: Following the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453, Western Christianity felt increasingly under threat from... Continue reading "Modern Age: Transformations, Discoveries, and Key Events" »

New York City: Beyond Manhattan

Let's take a look at some facts about New York City:

• What is happening to New York areas outside of Manhattan?

  They are getting more expensive.

• What is the main cause of robberies in New York?

  People's carelessness.

• Where is the safest place to live, according to Derrick Edwards?

  Far from a train station.

• How do New Yorkers mostly get around?

  By public transport, which is convenient and affordable.

• What does New York have in common with San Francisco?

  High-income people proud about not having a car.

The Enigma of Stonehenge

Here are some interesting points about Stonehenge:

• The stones at Stonehenge were built to frame the winter solstice.

• The sun set between the stones to shine onto the altar stone.

• Modern Druids and Pagans

Climate Classification

Climate refers to the typical weather that a place experiences over many years. Different parts of the world can be described as having dry, wet, hot, or cold climates.

The Aztecs

The Aztecs arrived to the valley of Mexico around the year 1218. They took refuge on the marshy lands around Lake Texcoco, where, in 1344 or 1345 they built the town of Tenochtitlan. At this time the Aztec community was composed of a small number of kinship, landholding groups called calpulli.

Aztec Imperial Expansion

For a long time the Aztec were subservient to the Azcopotzalco. But in 1428 the Aztec war chief Itzcoatl, the Texcoco and the Tlacopan joined forces to destroy the Azcopotzalco. This triple alliance led to the conquest of the valley of Mexico and much of Middle America. Gradually the Aztec got stronger than their allies. The conquest of the Valley of Mexico made it easier for the Aztecs to conquer the rest of Middle America... Continue reading "The Aztecs: History, Expansion, and Society" »