CONTENT STATEMENT
- The variety of physical environments within the Western Hemisphere influences human activities. Likewise, human activities modify the physical environments.
CONTENT ELABORATION
Human activities develop in response to physical environments. For example, waterways provide economic opportunities for people; therefore, regions with waterways are often more populated. Certain physical environments, like the Arctic, limit human activities and are therefore less 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 might construct canals.
Modifications to the environment have intended and unintended consequences. Many of the issues facing the world today are the result of unintended consequences of human activities, like highways disturbing natural habitats and contributing to air pollution.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain how variations among physical environments in the Western Hemisphere influence human activities.
Explain how human activities have altered the physical environments of the Western Hemisphere.