Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

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What does central place theory explain in urban geography?

  1. The expansion of urban areas into rural spaces

  2. The reason cities exist based on economic activity and the sharing of goods and ideas

  3. The social dynamics between urban and rural populations

  4. The effects of globalization on urban structure

The correct answer is: The reason cities exist based on economic activity and the sharing of goods and ideas

Central place theory, developed by Walter Christaller in the 1930s, explains the spatial distribution of urban centers or cities and the underlying economic principles that govern their development. It posits that cities and towns serve as 'central places' that provide goods and services to surrounding areas. The theory specifically addresses how these central places are established based on the market area they serve, which is influenced by the range and threshold of goods and services offered. In this context, the existence of cities is primarily a reflection of economic activity, where urban centers are strategically located to optimize accessibility for consumers within a certain area. By determining the size, number, and distribution of cities, central place theory illustrates how goods and services are shared among populations, illustrating an essential connection between urban geography and economic principles. This theory sheds light on why certain locations grow into significant urban centers while others remain smaller or underdeveloped, demonstrating the relationship between spatial organization, economic activities, and consumer behavior. The other options, while related to various aspects of urban geography, do not encapsulate the fundamental principles laid out by central place theory. The expansion of urban areas into rural spaces pertains more to urban sprawl, social dynamics between urban and rural populations focuses on demographic and social interactions, and