“Geography studies the differences of phenomena usually related in different parts of the Earth’s surface.” This definition of Geography was given by ________.

Correct option is A

Introduction
This definition encapsulates the core idea of Areal Differentiation, a key concept in geographical thought. Alfred Hettner (1859-1941), a German geographer, is credited with emphasizing that the central focus of geography is the study of areas, or the spatial differences in phenomena across the Earth's surface. This viewpoint shaped the academic discipline for a significant part of the 20th century.
Information Booster
· Prominent Geographer: A German geographer known for his significant contributions to methodological thought in geography.
· Core Concept: He established Areal Differentiation (or Chorology) as the defining concept of geography.
· Definition's Focus: The definition emphasizes studying the distinct combinations and interrelations of phenomena that give each part of the Earth its unique character.
· Methodology: Hettner saw geography as a chorological (area-based) science, contrasting it with historical and systematic sciences.
· Impact: His work greatly influenced the structure and practice of German geographical research and education.
Additional Points
· Ellen C. Semple: An American geographer known for her work on environmental determinism and her book Influences of Geographic Environment.
· Richard Hartshorne: An American geographer who further refined Hettner’s ideas of areal differentiation and wrote The Nature of Geography.
· Vidal de la Blache: A French geographer who is the founder of the French School of Geography and introduced the concept of possibilism and the 'genre de vie' (way of life).