Social Studies, Part 29

Question 1: List the three most important grains in the world and identify where they grow.

Answer 1: The three most important grains in the world are wheat, rice, and corn because they supply about half of the world's nutritional needs.Wheat is grown more widely than the other grains. In fact, it is grown on every continent except Antarctica, and can be grown in spring, summer, and winter. As much as 650 million metric tons of wheat is grown every year.Rice is a staple food for about half of the world's population. More than 95 is consumed by livestock or used to make oil rather than to feed humans. Nearly 600 million metric tons of corn is grown every year.

There are lots of good resources about Social Studies that you can find available.

Question 2: Define the following important terms as they relate to maps: latitude, longitude, coordinates, absolute location, equator, parallels, and meridians.

Answer 2: The most important terms used when describing items on a map or globe are:Latitude and longitude – Latitude and longitude are the imaginary lines (horizontal and vertical, respectively) that divide the globe into a grid. Both are measured using the 360 degrees of a circle. Coordinates – These are the latitude and longitude measures for a place.Absolute location – This is the exact spot where coordinates meet. The grid system allows the location of every place on the planet to be identified.Equator – This is the line at 0° latitude that divides the earth into two equal halves called hemispheres.Parallels – This is another name for lines of latitude because they circle the earth in parallel lines that never meet.Meridians – This is another name for lines of longitude. The Prime Meridian is located at 0° longitude, and is the starting point for measuring distance (both east and west) around the globe. Meridians circle the earth and connect at the Poles.

Question 3: Briefly define the four hemispheres, the North and South Poles, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the Arctic and Antarctic Circles.

Answer 3: The definitions for these terms are as follows: Northern Hemisphere – This is the area above, or north, of the equator.Southern Hemisphere – This is the area below, or south, of the equator.Western Hemisphere – This is the area between the North and South Poles. It extends west from the Prime Meridian to the International Date Line.Eastern Hemisphere – This is the area between the North and South Poles. It extends east from the Prime Meridian to the International Date Line. North and South Poles – Latitude is measured in terms of the number of degrees north and south from the equator. The North Pole is located at 90°N latitude, while the South Pole is located at 90°S latitude.Tropic of Cancer – This is the parallel, or latitude, 23½° north of the equator.Tropic of Capricorn – This is the parallel, or latitude, 23½° south of the equator. The region between these two parallels is the tropics. The subtropics is the area located between 23½° and 40° north and south of the equator.Arctic Circle – This is the parallel, or latitude, 66½° north of the equator.Antarctic Circle – This is the parallel, or latitude, 66½° south of the equator.

Previous: Social Studies, Part 28 - Next: Social Studies, Part 3

Flashcard Secrets provides test preparation products for a variety of examinations - all trademarks are property of their respective trademark owners.

3827 Phelan #179

Beaumont, TX 77707