Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does urbanization describe?

1. The decrease of rural population

2. The rapid growth of, and migration to, large cities

3. Population stagnation in metropolitan areas

4. The cyclical movement of people between urban and rural areas

The correct answer is: The rapid growth of, and migration to, large cities

Urbanization primarily refers to the rapid growth of urban areas, characterized by an influx of people migrating from rural regions to cities. This phenomenon is driven by various factors including economic opportunities, access to services, and improved living standards that urban environments typically offer compared to rural settings. As cities expand and develop, they attract individuals seeking jobs, education, and a higher quality of life, contributing to their overall growth in population and infrastructure. In contrast, the other options present concepts that may relate to urban dynamics but do not fully capture the essence of urbanization. The decrease of rural population indicates demographic changes but does not specifically address the urban growth aspect. Population stagnation in metropolitan areas suggests a plateau in growth rather than the dynamic process of urbanization itself. Lastly, the cyclical movement of people between urban and rural areas describes a different trend known as counterurbanization or commuting patterns, rather than the continuous increase in urban population size that urbanization entails.