Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of Mediterranean crops?

1. Wheat and barley

2. Rice and soybeans

3. Grapes and olives

4. Potatoes and corn

The correct answer is: Grapes and olives

Mediterranean crops are those that thrive in a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The crops most commonly associated with this type of climate include grapes and olives, known for their adaptability to the dry conditions of the Mediterranean basin. Grapes are essential for wine production and olives are recognized for their high-quality oil. Both crops are not only well-suited to the environment, but they also play a notable role in the agricultural economies of Mediterranean regions. Their cultivation reflects the traditional agricultural practices that have been sustained over centuries in areas such as southern Europe, parts of North Africa, and the Middle East. This understanding is crucial in linking specific crops to their geographic and climatic contexts, which is a key concept in human geography.