Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which term refers to the number of people living in rural areas per unit of agricultural land?

1. Population density

2. Rural density

3. Agricultural density

4. Urban density

The correct answer is: Agricultural density

The correct terminology for the number of people living in rural areas per unit of agricultural land is agricultural density. This concept highlights the relationship between the rural population and the amount of land used for agriculture, providing insight into how many people rely on agricultural land for their livelihoods. It is particularly useful in understanding how efficiently a given area is using its agricultural resources for supporting its rural populace. In contrast, population density generally refers to the total number of people living in a specific area, regardless of whether it is urban or rural. Rural density could imply the density within only the rural areas but does not specifically relate to agricultural land. Urban density focuses solely on the concentration of individuals in urban areas, making it less relevant to the context of rural living and agricultural land use. Therefore, agricultural density is the most precise term for describing this specific relationship.