Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Pastoralism is best defined as:

1. A form of sedentary agriculture

2. Animal husbandry practiced in a fixed location

3. A subsistence agriculture method involving seasonal animal herding

4. A modern farming technique using high technology

The correct answer is: A subsistence agriculture method involving seasonal animal herding

Pastoralism is best characterized as a subsistence agricultural method that involves the seasonal herding of animals. This practice stems from the need to move livestock to areas with adequate food resources and water supply, which typically changes with the seasons. Pastoralists follow migratory routes to optimize grazing conditions for their herds, reflecting a deep adaptation to their environment. This lifestyle is critical for communities that depend on livestock for their livelihoods, providing not only food but also materials and economic resources. The mobility associated with pastoralism allows herders to manage resources sustainably and respond to environmental conditions that may affect forage availability. Other answers fail to capture the essence of pastoralism. The description of a form of sedentary agriculture or animal husbandry practiced in a fixed location does not apply, as these suggest a stable, non-mobile approach, which is contrary to the practices of pastoralism. Similarly, a modern farming technique that emphasizes high technology does not align with pastoralist traditions, which are often more traditional and reliant on low-tech methods suited to extensive land use. Thus, the emphasis on seasonal herding clearly identifies the nature of pastoralism and its adaptability to environmental changes.