Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which term describes gardens grown in urban areas primarily for self-sufficiency?

1. Urban horticulture

2. Vertical farming

3. Urban subsistence farming

4. Community gardening

The correct answer is: Urban subsistence farming

The term that best describes gardens grown in urban areas primarily for self-sufficiency is urban subsistence farming. This approach focuses on cultivating food for personal consumption rather than for commercial sale, allowing individuals or families in urban settings to rely on their own produce for nutritional needs. Urban subsistence farming often involves small-scale gardening and agricultural practices within city limits, emphasizing the importance of local food production and sustainability. Urban horticulture generally refers to the broader practice of growing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants in urban environments, which may include commercial aspects and not solely self-sufficiency. Vertical farming involves growing food in stacked layers or vertically inclined surfaces, often in controlled environments, which is more about optimizing space and resources rather than individual self-sufficiency. Community gardening involves shared gardening projects among residents, where the focus is on collaboration and community-building rather than solely on self-sufficiency, and while it can involve subsistence goals, it is not limited to that purpose.