Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What defines carrying capacity in human geography?

1. The maximum number of people an area can support on a sustained basis

2. The ideal population density for a sustainable city

3. The economic productivity of an area

4. The amount of resources available in a region

The correct answer is: The maximum number of people an area can support on a sustained basis

Carrying capacity in human geography refers specifically to the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support over time without leading to degradation of the environment or depletion of resources. This concept is crucial as it encompasses not only the available resources, such as food, water, and shelter, but also factors like the technological and social systems that contribute to resource utilization. While the definition provided in the first choice correctly highlights the sustained support of a population, the other choices focus on different aspects. For instance, the ideal population density for a sustainable city is more about spatial arrangement rather than the overall limits on population that an area can support. Economic productivity speaks to the output and efficiency of an area but does not directly address how many people can live there without straining available resources. Finally, while the availability of resources is critical in determining carrying capacity, it is not the sole determinant; how those resources are managed and consumed also plays a vital role. This is why the first choice most accurately captures the holistic definition of carrying capacity in human geography.