Test: Human Geography Nature And Scope- 1 - UPSC MCQ

• Griffith Taylor's neodeterminism emphasizes sustainable development.
• Sustainable development is attainable by respecting and adhering to environmental cues and limits.
• This balanced approach advocates for a harmonious relationship between human progress and environmental sustainability.
• Development must occur within the boundaries set by the environment.
• An interesting fact is that this perspective aligns with modern sustainability movements.
• These movements seek to balance human needs with ecological health.

- Statement i is incorrect because human geography encompasses not only physical characteristics but also the interactions between humans and their environment.

- Statement ii is correct as it accurately reflects Ratzel's definition of human geography.

- Statement iii is also correct; Ellen C's definition indeed focuses on the changing dynamics between humans and the earth.

- Statement iv is correct; Paul Vidal de la Blache’s perspective integrates physical laws with human geography.

Thus, the correct statements are ii, iii and iv, making Option C the correct answer.

• Assertion: The assertion is correct. Human geography indeed focuses on the connections between human activities and the spatial environments in which they occur.
• Reason: The reason is also correct. Human geography does incorporate insights from multiple social sciences to analyze these relationships.
• The reason effectively explains the assertion, as the inter-disciplinary nature of human geography underpins the understanding of how human life interacts with various spatial contexts. Hence, both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation for the assertion.

• Assertion: The assertion correctly states that neodeterminism emphasizes the importance of respecting environmental limits in human development to prevent degradation. This aligns with the core ideas of the concept.
• Reason: The reason is inaccurate because neodeterminism does not suggest that human actions are entirely dictated by environmental conditions; rather, it posits a balance between human agency and environmental constraints.
• Since the assertion is true, but the reason is false, the correct answer is Option C.

• The humanisation of nature refers to the process by which human efforts and technologies shape and modify the natural environment.
• This process results in cultural landscapes.
• The concept illustrates how human activities, ranging from agriculture to urban development, create imprints on nature.
• For instance, urban areas can drastically alter local ecosystems and landscapes.
• This demonstrates the significant influence humans have on their surroundings.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for promoting sustainable development practices.
• These practices aim to minimize negative environmental impacts.

• Nomothetic Approach focuses on creating general laws and theories (B).
• Idiographic Approach emphasizes the description of specific places and events (A).
• Systematic Geography organizes geographic studies by themes or systems, such as climate or population (C).
• Regional Geography organizes geographic studies by specific regions (D).

• Ratzel defines human geography as the synthetic study of the relationship between human societies and the Earth’s surface.
• This definition highlights the interactions and connections between people and their environments.
• It emphasizes a holistic approach to geography.
• An interesting fact is that Ratzel is often considered one of the founders of modern human geography.
• He paved the way for future studies that explore the complex dynamics between humans and their habitats.

• Statement I is true because geography indeed integrates different subjects and studies events over space and time.
• Statement II is false because the division between physical and human geography is not very valid; they are interconnected and should be viewed holistically.

- Statement i is incorrect because Neodeterminism does not advocate for a deterministic view that completely limits human actions; instead, it suggests a balance between human agency and environmental constraints.

- Statement ii is correct as Neodeterminism emphasizes the need to respect environmental limits while pursuing development, which is a core aspect of the theory.

- Statement iii is also correct, as it accurately reflects the environmental issues arising from unrestricted exploitation of natural resources.

- Statement iv is incorrect because Neodeterminism does not promote progress without regard for environmental constraints; rather, it advocates for a responsible approach to development.

Thus, the correct statements are ii and iii, making Option D the right choice.

• Friedrich Ratzel (1844–1904) was a pioneering figure in human geography and introduced the concept of environmental determinism.
• Ellen C. Semple (1863–1932) was influenced by Ratzel and expanded his ideas in American geography.
• Paul Vidal de la Blache (1845–1918) developed the concept of Possibilism, offering an alternative to environmental determinism.
• Carl Sauer (1889–1975) was a key figure in the development of cultural geography in the 20th century, focusing on human impact on the landscape.