CONTENT STATEMENT
- The variety of physical environments within the Eastern Hemisphere influences human activities. Likewise, human activities modify the physical environment.
CONTENT ELABORATION
Human activities develop in response to physical environments. Physical features like waterways provide economic opportunities for people; therefore, regions with waterways are often more populated. When the environment does not meet human needs, people adapt or modify it to meet those needs. For example, in places where waterways are unavailable, people construct canals and irrigation systems. Dams are built to control flooding and provide hydroelectric power.
Modifications to the environment have intended and unintended consequences. Some of the issues facing the world today are the result of unintended consequences of human activities including pollution and disruption of habitat.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain how variations among physical environments in the Eastern Hemisphere influence human activities.
Explain how human activities have altered the physical environments of the Eastern Hemisphere.