Question 1

Historically, ________ of the world's population has always lived in _______, at least since the beginning of written history.

Accepted Answer

Historically, the vast majority of the world's population lived in rural communities due to agricultural practices being the primary source of livelihood. Urbanization on a large scale is a relatively recent phenomenon.

Question 2

_______ of urban residents in developing countries have satisfactory sanitation services.

Accepted Answer

Less than half of urban residents in developing countries have satisfactory sanitation services, highlighting the challenges in infrastructure and public health in these regions.

Question 3

The American idea of a dream home in the suburbs and a car in the garage is a result of

Accepted Answer

The American dream of a suburban home and a car in the garage was significantly shaped by both advertising, which created and nurtured the desire for such a lifestyle, and government policies, which facilitated homeownership through various means such as the GI Bill and federal loan programs, as well as the development of the interstate highway system that made suburban living more feasible.

Question 4

Smart growth is a term that is applied to

Accepted Answer

Smart growth refers to development strategies that emphasize efficient use of resources, aiming to create sustainable and livable communities by minimizing environmental impact and improving quality of life.

Question 5

Urban planners suggest that it takes a population of about _____ to obtain the advantages of a city but still retain the sense of community.

Accepted Answer

Urban planners often suggest that a population of 30,000 to 50,000 is large enough to offer the benefits of urban living (such as diverse services and cultural opportunities) while still maintaining a sense of community and connectedness among residents. This size allows for the advantages of a city but avoids the impersonal nature of larger urban environments.

Question 6

Many American cities are rebuilding public transportation systems that were abandoned in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Accepted Answer

Many American cities are indeed focusing on revitalizing and expanding their public transportation systems, recognizing the benefits of reducing traffic congestion, pollution, and fostering more sustainable urban development. This includes reintroducing services like streetcars and expanding subway and light rail systems that were neglected or dismantled in the past.

Question 7

It is estimated that 3 billion people live in slums, shantytowns, and squatter settlements of the developing world's cities.

Accepted Answer

As of my last update in 2023, it is estimated that around 1 billion people live in slums or informal settlements globally, not 3 billion. This figure represents a significant portion of the urban population in developing countries, but it is not as high as 3 billion.

Question 8

Over a third of the surface area of many large downtown areas like Los Angeles' are utilized for automobiles.

Accepted Answer

Large downtown areas, including Los Angeles, dedicate a significant portion of their land to roads, parking lots, and other automobile-related infrastructure, often exceeding a third of their total surface area.

Question 9

Cities in many developing nations have a disproportionately high share of their nation's wealth.

Accepted Answer

Cities in developing nations often concentrate economic activities, infrastructure, and services, leading to a higher share of the nation's wealth compared to rural areas. This concentration can result in significant economic disparities between urban and rural regions.

Question 10

The vast majority of the growth in human population in this century is expected to take place in

Accepted Answer

The majority of population growth this century is anticipated to occur in the large urban areas of developing nations, driven by urbanization and migration from rural to urban areas, alongside natural population growth in these regions.

Question 11

Examples of smart growth, such as garden cities, have only been tried during the past 30 years.

Accepted Answer

Smart growth principles, including concepts like garden cities, have been around and tried for much longer than the past 30 years, with the garden city movement originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Question 12

In rural areas, the majority of people

Accepted Answer

In rural areas, the majority of people are typically involved in agriculture and harvesting natural resources, as these are the primary economic activities in such regions.

Question 13

The experience of Los Angeles suggests that in large growing cities additional freeway construction

Accepted Answer

The phenomenon known as "induced demand" suggests that building more roads or expanding existing ones often leads to increased traffic congestion, as it encourages more people to drive, thus worsening traffic congestion rather than alleviating it. This has been observed in Los Angeles, where additional freeway construction has not solved traffic problems but has, in many cases, made them worse.

Question 14

Cities with populations greater than 10 million people

Accepted Answer

Cities with populations greater than 10 million people are referred to as megacities. This term is used globally, regardless of whether the city is in the developed or developing world.

Question 15

Urbanization is a process of increased concentration of people in cities.

Accepted Answer

Urbanization refers to the movement of people from rural areas to cities, leading to an increase in the population of urban areas relative to rural areas. This process results in a higher concentration of people living in cities.

Question 16

Which of the following U.S. cities is considered a good example of successful urban land use planning?

Accepted Answer

Portland, OR, is often cited as a successful example of urban land use planning due to its comprehensive growth boundary, public transportation network, and emphasis on sustainability and pedestrian-friendly development.

Question 17

Most residents of the German city of Vauban do not own a car for all of the following reasons except

Accepted Answer

Automobile ownership is not prohibited in Vauban; rather, the city is designed to reduce reliance on cars through urban planning and the provision of alternative transportation options.

Question 18

Migration is the primary cause of urban growth in

Accepted Answer

Migration is a significant driver of urban growth in Africa, where people move from rural to urban areas in search of better opportunities and living conditions.

Question 19

Urbanization began to grow especially quickly after the

Accepted Answer

Urbanization saw a significant increase after the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century. This period marked a shift from agrarian societies to industrial and urban centers, driven by advancements in technology, manufacturing, and transportation.

Question 20

The proportion of people living in urban areas in the last 30 years has increased in

Accepted Answer

Urbanization has been a global trend over the last 30 years, with all continents experiencing an increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas. This includes developed regions like North America and Europe, as well as developing regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America.

Quiz 22: Urbanization and Sustainable Cities

Historically, __ of the world's population has always lived in _, at least since the beginning of written history.