Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What characterizes subsistence agriculture?

1. Production of cash crops for sale

2. Consumption of all produced goods by the population

3. The reliance on industrial farming techniques

4. The use of advanced agricultural technologies

The correct answer is: Consumption of all produced goods by the population

The defining characteristic of subsistence agriculture is that it focuses primarily on producing food to meet the immediate needs of the farmer and their family. In this practice, nearly all of the crops and livestock produced are consumed directly by the producer, with little to no surplus available for sale or trade. This ensures that the agricultural output is used to sustain the household rather than aiming for the market economy. This contrasts with forms of agriculture that emphasize profit and commercial output, such as cash crop farming, where farmers grow crops primarily for sale rather than personal use. Similarly, subsistence agriculture is typically less reliant on industrial practices and advanced technologies. Instead, it often employs traditional farming methods tailored to local environmental conditions and cultural practices, highlighting a more self-sufficient approach to food production.