Chapter 33 Blog Homework

Chapter 33, Section 1

1. What major indigenous groups live in Australia and New Zealand?

Answer:

Aborigines such as the Arrente and the Palawa are believed to have arrived at Australia first anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 years ago.  The Maori people came from the Polynesian islands to New Zealand.  Many Maori still live in New Zealand.

2. How does the standard of living in the urban areas of Australia and New Zealand

compare with that of the more rural areas?

Answer:

Both urban and rural areas have free education and literacy rates are over 99% everywhere.  The health care in urban areas have better and more accessible health care than rural areas, however doctors talk to and advise patients via computers or telephones.  The Aborigines have the worst treatment of all, rarely receiving education and health care.

Creative Writing: Compare and contrast how and why the different groups that make up the population of Australia and New Zealand today first came to settle the region.

Answer:

The Aborigines came to Australia and New Zealand during the ice age because they needed food.  Trade and need for new land drove the Maori from Polynesia to New Zealand.  The Europeans came to New Zealand and Australia and settled there in 1788, creating a colony for convicts.  The colony ended in the 1850's and English settlers came to farm and get rich, fish and raise livestock.  The Aborigines came on foot and for necessity.  The Europeans came on ships and just for more space because they were putting too many people in jail for God knows what.

Chapter 33, Section 2

1. How does everyday life in the region reflect cultural diversity?

Answer:

The Aboriginal people usually participate with outrigger canoe racing or spearfishing.  The Europeans brought over cycling and archery, and later soccer, volleyball, and tennis.There are also 1,200 languages spoken throughout Oceania alone, and several blends over pidgin English to develop better communication.  Christianity was brought by the Europeans and Hinduism was brought by the Indians.  The education varies depending where you are, ranging from anywhere from 93% to 57%

2. How did European colonization adversely impact the region?

Answer:

European colonization resulted in many foreign cash crops being planted and colonies that wiped out local plants and animals.  In addition, the European invaders passed on viruses and bacteria that the indigenous people were not immune to.  As a result, many natives died because of the European sicknesses.

Creative Writing: Imagine that you are a tourist traveling among the islands of any part of Oceania in an outrigger canoe. Describe one day of your travels as a journal entry. Be sure to describe the peoples and cultures, as well as their activities.

Answer:

Well, second day here in Oceania.  A local has been taking me around the islands in an outrigger canoe.  I have to admit that I'm a bit shocked with what I've found.  The culture here is so diverse, languages ranging from English to local languages, to Pidgin.  Pidgin is extremely interesting since pidgin is a mix-mash of all sorts of languages.  The minute one local can't understand the other, they switch to pidgin and get along much better than before.  Another shocker was the abundance of Christian churches and practicing Christians.  My guide is Christian.  They tell me that it's mostly because the Europeans brought Christianity to their islands, but the amount of Christians shocked me.  In Fiji, however, I got to see a pleasant change of religions, from Christianity to Hinduism.   Some locals looked Indian, a curious sight to see in the middle of the ocean.  One thing that pleased me greatest to see was the farming going on here.  In some of the bigger, more industrialized islands I saw huge farms for cash crops, but at smaller ones I saw locals farming their traditional foods, eating what they grew and growing only what could feed them well.  it was a pleasant change from the American way of going to a supermarket and getting some potato chips.  Their respect for their soil and the soil's gifts is also mind-boggling.  The earth is like their religion, almost.  One disappointing sight was the lack of schooling, and the horrible conditions of hospitals and food.  There weren't enough teachers and far too few students, the hospitals were dirty without modern equipment, and some people couldn't even afford to pay for health care!  Good news is that I saw a few government workers arguing for patients to get treatment.  I hope that all works out well, but I'll definitely look into that problem throughout this trip.  Maybe there's someone I can write to and help fix this.  Well, until next time!

Chapter 32 Homework

Chapter 32, Section 1

1. How do mountains, plateaus, and lowlands differ in Australia and New Zealand?

Answer:

The mountains of New Zealand are taller than the mountains of Australia and often have snow.  Australian plains are dry and treeless while New Zealand plains are fertile and produce crops and livestock that benefit the economies.  New Zealand plateaus are generally volcanic while Australian plateaus are dry and barren.

2. How have volcanoes and continental shelves formed the islands of Oceania?

Answer:

The volcanoes have pushed up the magma to provide a base of land for the island.  The continental shelves shift and change, pushing land upward and creating more land for the island.

Creative Writing: Of the two largest islands of New Zealand—North Island and South Island—which would be the best to visit on vacation? Provide examples to support your position.

Answer:

i believe that the North Island is better to visit, in my opinion.  I like the beach, and the North island has lots of beaches.   There is also rich soil on the island and volcanoes and hot springs, providing interesting sights to see and plants to see because of the rich soil.  The North Island has ancient forests, which is nice to visit because the 'ancient forests' may have rare animals and plants.

Chapter 32, Section 2

1. What geographic extremes create the differences in climates and vegetation of Australia, Oceania, and New Zealand?

Answer:

What part of Australia you are in determines the climate and vegetation.  The interior of Australia is generally drier with barely any vegetation because the Pacific Ocean winds are blocked out, the sun scorches on the plateau all day, and at night the temperature drops.  The steppe climate around the plateau  is where the rain falls and vegetation such as eucalyptus and acacia trees can grow.  The coastal areas receive the most moisture, averaging 80 inches at some parts.  these areas support Australia's agriculture.  Oceania alternates between dry and wet season.  The wet seasons bring humidity and much vegetation while the dry seasons have barely any rainfall and the vegetation includes shrubs and grasses. In New Zealand, whether you are on the North or South Island.  The north Island generally is warm and sunny, with moderate rainfall.  The Southern land usually has five times the amount of rain that the whole country gets on average.

2. Why does most of Oceania have a tropical rain forest climate?

Answer:

Oceania lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn

Creative Writing: Pretend you are a travel writer who has been assigned to write a tourist brochure for a destination in Australia, Oceania, or New Zealand. Drawing on your knowledge of the climates and vegetation in the region, write at least one paragraph that vividly describes at least one destination in the region to potential tourists.

Answer:

I would strongly recommend visiting New Zealand's North Island.  Unlike other islands, the North Island has a reasonably stable climate.  Summer temperatures are anywhere between 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  In the winter it is cooler, between 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  The plateau of the North Island is warm and sunny while the mountains have constant snow.  This constant snow could be a great place to spend your vacation if you tire of the constant warmth.  The rainfall of the North Island is more convenient than that of the South Island, which is five times the amount of rain of the North Island.  The North Island also offers plenty of unusual sights, including plant life.  90 percent of the plants are only found in New Zealand, such as Manuka, a shrub that has been growing since the ancient forests were destroyed, and the rare kauri trees and common evergreen trees.

Chapter 31 Homework

Chapter 31, Section 1

1. Why is rice farming the most important agricultural activity in Southeast Asia?

Answer:

Rice farming is the most important agricultural activity because it is an important export product, it grows very well in the climate, and there is enough water to support it.

2. Why are the countries in the region industrializing at different rates?

Answer:

Countries are industrializing at different rates because of the political crisis in the countries.  The countries that still struggle with it are confused as to what to do.  The resources available and the current state of economy in the individual countries also affects how fast they industrialize.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph describing how the economies of Southeast Asia are becoming more interdependent. What factors are driving this change?

Answer:

The economies of Southeast Asia are becoming more interdependent.  Mostly, this is because the countries need to trade with one another for more resources, and the ASEAN provides loans to other countries to support their own economy,  The need to survive and thrive and trade is what drives this change.

Chapter 31, Section 2

1. What dangers are posed by volcanoes, floods, and typhoons in Southeast Asia?

Answer:

Floods and typhoons kill many people and destroy whole cities and towns.  The country crashes because of this loss.  The volcanoes in Southeast Asia may erupt at any time, blowing ash and dust and killing hundreds of people and destroying homes.  All three natural disasters are deadly to people, their lives, and their stability.

2. How has economic progress increased environmental pollution in the region?

Answer:

Economic progress means industrialization.  The industrial plants result in polluted air and water, and offshore oil and gas searching has resulted in deaths of the mangrove forests.  Mining leads to waste being dumped in rivers.  Over-fishing has resulted in reefs and fish dying.  Cutting trees result in more carbon dioxide in the air, polluting it.

Creative Writing: The people of Southeast Asia face many challenges with both natural and man-made environmental issues. Identify what you think is the most important challenge and write a paragraph designed to convince readers of the importance of addressing the issue

Answer:

I think the most important challenge is the natural disasters.  The countries need to find ways to predict when cyclones and typhoons will arrive and build efficient houses and shelters where people can go to hide.  Without the people, a country is nothing.  The countries of Southeast Asia need to protect their people from disaster before they can focus on anything else.

Chapter 25 Homework

Chapter 25, Section 1

1. How does agriculture provide a living for most of South Asia’s people?

2. Which countries in South Asia have a free press?

Creative Writing: Which part of South Asia would you most like to visit? Write a paragraph that describes why you think this is the best country for tourism and use specific examples to support your position.

Chapter 25, Section 2

1. What factors have led to much of the internal violence in South Asia?

Answer:

Dispute over Kashmir and prejudice against the Tamils, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs have led to much of the internal violence in South Asia.

2. What is a negative consequence of rapid industrialization in the region?

Answer:

the rapid industrialization results in too much air pollution, which damages the people and the environment.

Creative Writing: Pretend you are a government official in South Asia. Your job is to write a short essay designed to convince poor rural populations to stop illegal logging and hunting of endangered animals. Be sure to acknowledge reasons why these people would want to be allowed to cut down trees or hunt endangered animals, and then provide arguments why they should not do so.

Answer:

Dear People of South Asia,

First and foremost, I understand your difficult situation.  You need money, and you must provide for your family.  To do so, you often cut down your local trees to sell and make your homes.  You poach animals, even endangered and protected animals, to feed your family or to sell for money so that you may feed your family.  I understand your difficulty.  I must, however, inform you of the consequences.  Logging trees and killing protected animals will result in a fine that you will not be able to pay.  you may have to go to jail, and you cannot provide for your family while in jail.  The animals that you are killing are found nowhere else. You are exterminating a whole family of animals.  How would you feel if someone killed your whole family?  And, the trees you are cutting down clear the air for humans.  Without them, pollution would take over and poison the lungs of your family and you.  I have a proposition for you.  You stop hunting animals, and instead bring them to environmental officials, unharmed of course.  We will pay you for them, tag them, and set the back in the wild.  Instead of logging, come to us for support and we will provide.  We will give you trees to plant, and once they are planted and cared for and semi-grown you may cut the other trees that you need.

Chapter 29 Homework

Chapter 29, Section 1

1. What makes up the physical geography of Southeast Asia?

Answer:

Mountains and volcanoes make up the physical geography of Southeast Asia.

2. How do rich natural resources affect Southeast Asia’s economy?

Answer:

The natural resources of oil and coal have amde the economies prosper while the natural resources of gems and minerals have created a smaller, black market economy

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph that describes at least one way that the people of Southeast Asia depend on its waterways.

Answer:

The water ways and their deltas (where the river branches off into the ocean) deposit valuable nutrients into soil as they pass, making the soil fertile.  Because of these nutrients, food and other crops may be grown by the rivers, feeding the country's people.  If the water ways went away, the ground could support itself for a while but eventually fail when the new nutrients don't come from the river.  This makes a dependence on the water ways for food and crops.  Without the waterways, the people of Southeast Asian countries would either starve or be in major debt because of having to pay other countries for food.

Chapter 29, Section 2

1. What weather pattern influences the region’s climates?

Answer:

Rain influences the region's climates

2. What are the region’s main climate types?

Answer:

The main climate types are Tropical wet, tropical dry, humid subtropical, and highland climates.

Creative Writing: Think about the pros and cons of Singapore’s change from a dense rainforest to an urban area. Take a position either for or against another area working toward this type of urbanization, and write a paragraph that defends your position.

Answer:

I am both for and against the expansion.  On one hand, the rainforests were home to many unique species or plants ad animals, as well as a valuable source for oxygen.  On the other hand, the people of Singapore needed to expand and urbanize in order to keep up with the rest of the world and with its own growing population. 

World Geography Homework Chp 28

Chapter 28, Section 1

1. What types of governments and economies do East Asian countries have?

Governments such as Communism and democracy are common.  The Democratic countries often have  private-ownership based countries while Communist countries have command economes.  North Korea is an enigma, having a command system and a rigid government.

2. What economic activities play an important role in East Asia?

Industry and argiculture play important roles in East Asian economy.

Creative Writing: Despite China’s record of human rights violations, the United States granted it full trading privileges and the country has also been admitted to the World Trade Organization. Pick a position either for or against these decisions and write a paragraph designed to persuade others of your point of view.

I am for this decision.  Why not give China a chance?  Perhaps, while they are there, other countries may pressure China into stopping any violent policies and human rights violations.  It is also important to make Chinese citizens feel like they are not being judged or neglected or else further feelings of antagonism will spread.  And, furthermore, think about the citizens of China.  They are innocent; It is the government who is violating human rights.  So ask yourself, is it fair to punish innocent civilians, children, to starve them and not trade necessities when it is not their fault at all? 

 

Chapter 28, Section 2

1. How have industrialization and urbanization in East Asia affected the environment?

Burning coal for energy has resulted in acid rain throughout the region and beyond.  The mercury deposited in the Pacific Ocean can spread all the way to America.  Sewage and waste is dumped into lakes, rivers, and oceans and result in many dead species.  Deforestation for urbanization leads to desertification and less land to farm and feed people on.

2. What naturally occurring destructive forces does East Asia regularly face?

Flooding, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcano eruption, and typhoons

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph that describes the steps East Asian countries are taking to solve environmental problems

East Asian Countries have tried to build drainage channels and irrigation canals to redirect water quickoy.  Dams, dikes, and levees like the Three Gorges Dam can also hold water in and generate electricity at the same time,

Chapter 27 Homework

Chapter 27, Section 1

1. Where did East Asia’s ideas and traditions originate?

Answer:

China

2. What languages do the people of China speak?

Answer:

most speak Mandarin dialect of the Han Chinese language.  The letters are ideograms which stand for ideas.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph that compares Chinese health care, religion, or education before, during, and after the “Great Leap Forward.”

Answer:
After the Great leap Forward, China's health care and education improved tremendously, even with the dwindling resources from big farms not producing necessities.  Religion is still tolerated, but not openly encouraged after the Great leap Forward.  China now focuses more on economic rights, not civil rights.

Chapter 27, Section 2

1. How is the population of Japan distributed?

Answer:
The population dots on the rural areas and it more clumped and condensed in sea coasts, valleys, and plains.

2. How did Japan build an empire in the 1900s and how did it come to an end?

Answer:
Japan built its empire by diplomacy and military force, fighting China for islands, Russia for Korea, Manchuria, and Sakhalin.  But Korea was later annexed in 1910.    This empire came to a stop in 1945 when the Allies beat Japan and forced them to give up their other territories and their military.  in the later 1900s Japan came back as a business country who trades with the whole world.

Although Japan’s population is ethnically homogeneous, its culture has been influenced by many other cultures. Write a paragraph that describes at least two ways that Japan’s culture has been influenced by other cultures.

Answer:
Japanese is distantly related to Korean and Mongolian and has borrowed words from Chinese and English.  Many Japanese practice Buddhism from China and Christianity from the middle east and Europe.

Chapter 27, Section 3

1. How did Korea first react to contact with the West?

Answer:
Korea did not react well when Western countries came with guns and force and developed and isolationist policy.

2. On what is the Korean way of life based?

Answer:
Korean life is largely based on Confucianism.

Creative Writing: Although North and South Korea are predominantly ethnically homogeneous, a cultural divergence has taken place between the two countries. Write a paragraph that describes the cause of this cultural divergence and lists some of its effects
Answer:
The cause of this cultural divergence was World War II when South Korea chose to be allies with the US and North Korea remained Communist.  North Korea tried to unite itself with South Korea, but the US intervened and a truce was made in 1953,  The war us technically still going on.  Because of the cultural divergence, the cultures have grown apart becomes of politics (Democracy versus Communism) and economy (Capitalism versus Communism)

Chapter 24 Homework

Chapter 24, Section 1

1. How is India’s large population distributed?

About 869 people in a square mile.  The density depends on where you are, more people in close space in more urbanized areas and fertile areas, and less people in the desert.

2. What two major world religions helped to shape India’s history and culture?

Hinduism and Buddhism

Creative Writing: Pretend you are an Indian person who has moved from a rural farm community to one of India’s largest cities. Write a paragraph to a relative that describes what it is like to live in the city.

Dear Aunt,

Mumbai is nothing like we thought it would be.  There are so many big buildings here, everyone rushes around.  There are lots of jobs open, and I make more than my parents now.  However, I live in a bad neighborhood, and it's very crowded here.  The bathrooms and sanitation are awful, as are the hospitals.  I see sick people and starving children wherever I go.  There are many beggars, many children.  I try to give all I can, but really it would be cheaper to just adopt all of them than it would be to pay all of them.  Besides that, life is good here.  Unlike home, this place has movie star people.  They are all beautiful, and almost everyone here knows every movie and is an avid fan.  I have seen movies here too, and people are always making new ones.  I will write again soon, when I have time.

 

Chapter 24, Section 2

1. Why are increasing populations and urbanization a problem in both Pakistan and

Bangladesh?

Too many people are there, straining resources such as housing and jobs.  pollution created by the inhabitants is also a major problem.

2. What contributions to the arts have Pakistan and Bangladesh made?

Mostly visual arts such as plays and poetry from Kazi Narzul Islam.  Qawwali, a type of singing, is also a contribution to the world from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph that summarizes the history of the Indian and

Pakistani claims on the Kashmir region, and why the conflict over

the Kashmir region is dangerous to both the region and the world.

Under the prince's rule, Kashmir was stolen by the land of Pakistan.  The prince then signed the deed giving Kashmir to India.    Pakistan thinks that Kashmir will be better for Muslims, but India thinks that the land is rightfully theirs.  Pakistan has begun nuclear weapon tests, threatening India.  If these tests go wrong, or get into the wrong hands, the whole world is in danger.

Chapter 24, Section 3

1. What contributions to the arts have the countries in the region made?

They have contributed their religious and historic dances.  A writer from Sri Lanka also published the English Patient, a book that won England's prestigious Booker Prize, and became an academy award winning film

2. What are the major religions in the region?

Most people in Nepal are Hindu, and few people in Bhutan and Sri Lanka practice Hinduism.  Buddhism is more dominant in Bhutan and Sri Lanka, but is also practiced sporadically throughout Nepal.

Creative Writing: Several countries in the region currently face challenges with both health care and low literacy rates. The United States is considering providing foreign aid to help one of the countries address only one of these challenges. Which of these two challenges do you think is the most important to address? Write a paragraph that is designed to persuade a U.S. government official of your opinion.
Health care and schooling are two huge issues in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan.  Literacy and schooling percentages are extremely low.  Many countries, especially Maldives, have been relying on traditional medicines instead of antibiotics which can protect and fight against water-borne diseases, diseases that result in huge amount of death.  If there is more school and literacy, those children who are educated will grow into adults fighting for resources from other countries, creating jobs, setting up health care, educating others.  Just a generation that is fully educated can lead into thousands of jobs for the country.  Health care and new medicines will be majorly helpful.  It will save many people, many children, many parents who, if they die, will not be able to care for their children and keep them alive.  Please send aid and education to these countries, save the people of this region.

Chapter 22 Homework

Chapter 22, Section 1

1. What are three of the problems cash-crop production has created for the economies of

the countries of the region?

Answer:  One problem is the complete reliance on one or two crops.  A disease or drought killing those crops could demolish the countries' economies.  Another problem is land and lack of fair distribution.  Farmers that produce essential foods do not have enough room to grow enough crops and support the country.  The cash crop farms are using up everything.  Another problem is the fights that spring up between the farmers and the cash-crop plantation owners over land and how much each should get.

2. What are three ways that transportation and communications in the region are changing?

Answer:

Transportation is slowly moving into roads and railroads.  Some countries consider the construction, maintenance, and workers on railroads to be number one priority.  Because of this, more people from various countries have been able to meet.  New satellite technology improves the reach of television to broadcast global news.  Telephone service is also been closely looked at, many countries trying to establish phone lines in more rural areas so people can communicate with one another.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph about the possible reasons that countries in the region have taken on enormous debt that they have been unable to repay. Consider the economic activities, transportation and communications, and trade relationships of the countries of Africa south of the Sahara.

Answer:

I think that the debt is a result of many things.  One is the constant building of new roads and paying the workers, which requires a lot of money.  Another would be making satellites, or paying other countries to make them, and also installing telephone poles.  Another reason that the debt exists could be the multiple wars in which the countries had to pay outside countries to help and provide aid.  The wars result is major debt, which is also a factor.

Chapter 22, Section 2

1. What are three reasons food shortages have occurred in parts of Africa south of the Sahara?

Answer:  Grasslands turning into Deserts, wars stunting economical growth, and drought.

 

2. What are three of the steps African countries south of the Sahara are taking to protect

their environment?

Answer:  Creating reserves for endangered species, Encouraging ecotourism, or tourism based on concern for the environment, and signing agreements to preserve the forests.

Creative Writing: Famine and war are among the threats to the people of Africa south of the Sahara, and desertification and poaching are among the threats to the environment and wildlife. Write a paragraph describing how the threats are related, and how reducing the threats to the people can reduce the threats to environment and wildlife.

Answer:

Desertification causes famine and wide spread death.  By taking better care of the environment and stop abusing resources, people can stop desertification.  And, with no desertification, or at least less, droughts will be less common and therefore famine will be less common.  Less common famine will lead to more people surviving.  War is another thing that causes panic.  People in panic often look for any way to make ends meet, even if it is killing animals. Poverty may drive people to hunt endangered animals and sell their goods for high prices in order to stay alive.  By stopping war, people will be less desperate and perhaps decrease in poaching.

Chapter 20 homework

Chapter 20, Section 1

1. How has the shifting of tectonic plates affected the development of the landforms of Africa south of the Sahara?

Answer:

The shifting tectonics plates moving apart has resulted in the Great Rift Valley that stretches from Syria to Mozambique.  It is considered a natural wonder.  The plates moving and pushing magma up has resulted in mountains.  Plates moving continents together and moving them apart has resulted in collision sites where mountains have risen up.

2. How do landforms affect the water systems of Africa south of the Sahara?

Answer:

Basins and valleys formed in between mountains have become homes to lakes and rivers.  All of the escarpments and rifts and cliffs have resulted in rapids in the waters, making them dangerous and hard to navigate.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph about how landforms and water systems in Africa south of the Sahara cause problems for the nations in the region as they try to take advantage of their mineral resources.

Answer:

The dangerous mountains and rifts make it hard to mine and navigate.  The hard rock also makes it difficult to mine.  Lack of water and irregular, unpredictable rainfall results in lack of energy or water to support the miners.

Chapter 20, Section 2

1. In addition to rainfall, what are three of the geographic factors that affect climate in Africa south of the Sahara? Give examples.

Answer:

Ocean currents such as the benguela current, elevation such as how high you are on a mountains making the temperature cold and being in a low valley makes the temperature hot, and latitude.  The lower you are, the generally colder it is.  The closer you are to the center, the more rain and heat you get.

2. What are the main kinds of climate and vegetation found in Africa south of the Sahara?

Answer:

The main climates are Tropical Wet, Tropical Dry, Steppe, Desert, and Mid latitude Climates.  Tropical Wet climates house shrubs, ferns, and mosses, and also huge rain forests which house orchids, ferns, and more mosses on the canopy area.  Crops such as bananas, pineapples, cocoa, tea, coffee, and cotton are grown here.  The Tropical Dry, or savanna, houses grass.  The Steppe houses low-growing grasses, shrubs, and acacia trees.  The Desert houses grasses and trees and some cacti.  Mid Latitude Climates house any where from grasslands to farm crops to great forests. 

Creative Writing: The Great Plains in the United States and Canada and Africa’s Serengeti Plain are both vast grasslands. Write a paragraph comparing the two regions

The Great Plains in the US and Canada are generally more populated and built on, the grasslands themselves slightly dying out.  The Serengeti plain is more untouched and receives more heat.  The Great Plains receive less heat. 

Chapter 19 Home Work

Chapter 19, Section 1

1. How does physical geography affect farming and fishing in North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia?

Answer:
Because most countries in that region have non-arable land, there is not a lot of farming activity.  The few countries with arable land grow citrus fruits, grapes, olives, dates, and cereal crops.  However, the plants grown vary from country to country, depending on circumstances, environment, and the needs and habits of surrounding people.  The many seas and gulfs have resulted in huge fishing industries.

2. How are improvements in transportation and communications changing life in the region?

Answer:

The improvements have made it easier for cultures and people to mix.  It is also easier to trade and to communicate with other nations beyond the ones in their own region.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph comparing some of the similarities and differences in the ways people earn a living, communicate with each other, and travel in Southwest Asia, North Africa, and Central Asia and in the United States and Canada.

Answer:

Some of the jobs such as farmers, miners, and fishers are similar to jobs in the U.S.  However, it is more common in the U.S. and Canada to have service jobs, while these are a bit more rare in Southwest Asia, North Africa, and Central Asia.  There, it is more common to have a travel agency job.  Travel methods are similar being provided by cars, airplanes, and trains. However, subways and trains are more common in Southwest/Central Asia and North Africa.

Chapter 19, Section 2

1. How have people in the region dealt with scarce water resources?

Answer:

The people have resorted to desalination when possible, and people are making man-made rivers to drain water from sources into inland people through the Sahara.  If more rivers were completed, then the countries and people would have more water.

2. What are the causes and effects of three of the major environmental problems in the

region?

Answer:
Three main environmental problems in the region are the oil in the Persian gulf, the shrinking seas, and nuclear and chemical dangers.  The oil in the Persian gulf is the result of Kuwait setting fire to their oil wells and Iraqi troops dumping millions of gallons of oil into the Persian gulf.  The result of this spill has been the deaths of millions of birds and marine life.  The shrinking seas has been caused by pollution and overfishing.  the result of this has been the death of fish, the decline of fishing industries, and loss of water.  The nuclear residue from the Soviets' bomb testings have affected Kazakhstan greatly, the citizens suffering from radiation even today.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph agreeing or disagreeing with the following statement: It is necessary for all of the countries in North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia to cooperate to develop plans and technologies to bring more freshwater to the region.

Answer:

Yes, it is necessary that they do this.  The people of that region are suffering for water, and at this rate they don't care.  And, if the countries agree and cooperate on a way to deliver freshwater into the region, then there would be no dispute on construction happening in one another's land.  Wars of this would not be necessary if they worked together, and no wars means no unnecessary death and no more economical or environmental damage.

Chp 17.1 and 17.2 Homework

Chapter 17, Section 1

1. What land and water features dominate North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central

Asia?

Answer:

North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia are dominated by deserts, mountains, and three small bodies of salt water.

2. Why is much of the world economically dependent on North Africa, Southwest Asia,

and Central Asia?

Answer:

The world is economically dependant on North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central asian because the world needs natural gas to power it, and there are many sources of natural gas in said areas.

Creative Writing: Agree or disagree with the statement: The supply of water in North

Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia is more critical to the region’s security than the

supply of oil.

Answer:  I agree with the statement.  Athough the supply of oil means economic stability and wealth, supply of water means the survival of the people.  People's lives should always be put first, and other matters after.

 

Chapter 17, Section 2

1. How do the climates of North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia differ?

Answer:

There are two main climates, the desert climate and the steppe climate.  The desert climate is about ten inches of rainfall, or less, per year.  There are few sand dunes, instead there are desert pavements, mountains, and barren rock.  Only cacti and shrubs grow here, and only nomadic herds of sheep and goats and camels live here.  Steppe climates usually get a bit more rain, fourteen inches on average.  The climate can support grasses for livestock and shrubs and trees.  It is more liveable.

2. How are the agricultural activities of North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia

affected by the climate regions?

Answer:

Drier climates usually result in little to no agricultural activities, those activities being replaced by herding livestock.  Places by the coast and highland have more and more farms and pastures, supporting barley, oat, and wheat farms without irrigation.

Creative Writing: The steppe climate areas of North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central

Asia, and the steppe climate in the Great Plains of the United States and Canada are

similar. Cereal crops and livestock are important commodities in each region. What are

some similarities and differences between the agricultural economies of each region?

Answer:

Some similarities will be the products grown there.  If both regions require the same commodities, they ought to create the same commodities, right?  The economies would be different because the U.S. is probably less dependent, knowing that they can import as much as they would like, that if all else fails there will be help.  The steppe climates in North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia have no such support and probably have more secure irrigation systems.

Blog Homework 16

Chapter 16, Section 1

 

1. How have agriculture, industry, transportation, and communications in Russia changed since the breakup of the Soviet Union?

Answer:

Agriculture and industry have lost many workers, but new laws make it easier for Russians to buy and sell land.  The lack of funding has caused air travel to lose its place as the number one mode of transportation, replaced with major highways, railroads, and waterways.  Communitaction through cell phones and computers have increased rapidly, reaching out to other countries.

2. What is Russia’s relationship to the global community?

Answer:

Russia trades natural resources such as oil and petroleum to most of the world.  It has also taken many loans from other countries that are helping Russia form new jobs in banking, farming, manufacturing, and transportation.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph that describes how Russia has made the transition to a market economy.

Answer:

First, Mikhail Gorbachev loosened government controls on business, encouraged small bussinesses to open, encouraged foreign investment.  His successor introduced privatization, which lead to many Russians to own and decide for their own companies.Vladimir Putin helped to bring the country out of debt, balance the country's budget, and cut inflation, which has lead to more small, privately owned businesses and an increase in the Russian middle class.

Chapter 16, Section 2

 

1. How does Russia manage its natural resources?

Answer:

Russians have been trying to save and manage their natural resources by protecting their forests and trying to close down mines that damage the earth and surrounding wildlife

2. What are the environmental challenges in Russia’s future?

Answer:

A major environmental challenge for Russia is the decreasing amount of fish in the oceans.  Huge trawl nets are catching tons of fish, but keeping only a few hundred while the rest are left dead and wasted.  Another major challenge is the pipe line running through Russia, which, if it leaks, can severely damage the wildlife and pollute Russia's lakes.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph that describes how pollution has affected the lives of Russia’s people.

Answer:

nuclear meltdowns such as Chernobyl have released radiation that kills people, causes disease, and destroys homes.  Even decades later, people aroung the nuclear site are still plagued by disease.  Factories have dumped pollution into many lakes, including Lake Baikal, upsetting many Russians.  Car emissions, pesticides, fertilizers, and burning coal pollute the air, reducing the Russian forests and damaging peoples' lungs.

Chapter 15 Homework

Chapter 15, Section 1

 

1. How has the role of religion changed in post-Soviet Russia?

Answer:

During the time when the Soviet Union controlled Russia, the Soviet Union put stright restrictions against religion and promoted atheism.  Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the restrictions lessened and people began to rediscover their old religions.  In 1997, western lawmakers decided that only Russian Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism,  and Judaism were the religions of Russia, although other religions such as Hinduism, Protestant Christianity, and Roman Catholicism are tolerated and accepted.

2. What are Russia’s major ethnic groups?

Answer:

Russia's major ethnic groups are the Slav, the Caucasian Peoples, and the Turkic Peoples.

Creative Writing: Pretend you are a Russian teenager attending high school. Write a short essay designed to persuade your parents—who attended high school during the Soviet era—that post-Soviet education is of higher quality.

Dear Mother and Father,

I understand that you think education during the Soviet era is superior to the post-Soviet education.  Because the cirriculum was based around math, science, and engineering, which are all very practical, the schools ignored subjects such as language, history, and literature.  The schools now promote all of the subjects equally, and i believe that this helps the students more.  The languages that they teach will be useful to the students later in life.  it will allow us to communicate with people of other nationalities, perhaps even lead to us becoming business workers or translators.  The teaching of history is also extremely helpful.  Studying history allows us students to observe and learn from the mistakes in the past, and helps us think of solutions to future problems such as wars or attacks.  the more we know about the past, the more capable we are of making decisions, and the more safe Russia is.  Teaching of literature is also an excellent addition to the schools.  Literature helps us students to learn to express ourselves through words, and teaches us how to communicate in our words both written and spoken.  This will help us win debates if we grow to become lawyers or government officials.  The stories and novels that we read will also help us think and understand and respect other cultures and nations beside our own.  Anyways, I hope that this letter has helped you understand my reasons of why post-Soviet education is superior and of higher quality in its own way.  Perhaps now we can stop arguing about it, right?
Love,
Your daughter.

Chapter 15, Section 2

 

1. Who were the ancestors of the ethnic Russians?

Answer:

The ancestors of ethnic Russians are the Slavs, Scandinaian warriors called the Varangians.

2. What were the causes of the Soviet Union’s collapse?

Answer:

The causes for the collapse were the weak economy caused by the luxurious living of the wealthy opposed to the meager wages of the workers, Mikhail Gorbachev's new, more liberal, policies, and the satelite countries overthrowing their leaders          

Creative Writing: Write a brief essay that describes the United States’ role in the breakup of the Soviet Union. Be sure to include information about what happened, when it happened, why it happened, how it happened, and who was involved. Outside research may be necessary.

Answer:

The U.S. started building up on their defenses (mainly nuclear defenses) in 1989.  The Soviet Union noticed this and increased their production of weapons, neglecting other businesses which produced much needed, basic materials.  This caused the Soviet economy to start to decline.  In 1986, the U.S. also supported the 'holy warriors' in Afghanistan who were fighting the Russians.  This made the Soviet Union spend more and more money on their war in Afghanistan, further pushing the economy into debt.  The U.S. also put an embargo on grains and other exports going to Russia and started to pay less for oil there.  All of these factors made the Soviet economy crash.  New leaders, democratic leaders, overthrew the Soviet Union in 1991and Russia and other Soviet countries now branched out on their own to become their own countries.