Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which model illustrates the principles of agricultural land use based on proximity to market?

1. The Bid-Rent Theory

2. The Central Place Theory

3. The Von Thünen Model

4. The Urban Systems Model

The correct answer is: The Von Thünen Model

The Von Thünen Model is the correct answer because it specifically addresses how agricultural land use is influenced by distance from a central market. Proposed by Johann Heinrich von Thünen in the early 19th century, this model outlines a concentric ring pattern around a central market, where different types of agricultural activities are located at varying distances based on transportation costs and land value. In this model, the closer an activity is to the market, the more intensive and perishable the crop tends to be. For example, dairy farming and market gardening are situated closest to the city because they require quick transportation to prevent spoilage. As one moves further away from the market, land use transitions to less intensive agriculture, such as grains, and eventually to extensive activities like livestock grazing, which require more space and are less perishable. The other models mentioned, such as the Bid-Rent Theory, focus on urban land use and economic principles related to land value as a function of distance from the city center but do not specifically incorporate agricultural practices. The Central Place Theory examines the spatial distribution of cities and their economic functions, while the Urban Systems Model addresses the interrelationships between different urban areas and their networks. Thus, the Von Thünen Model stands out for its