South America: Location and Physical Features
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Questions and Answers

Why is South America called Latin America along with Mexico and Central America?

Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian

When did the Spanish and Portuguese control trade and commerce in South America, and when did they leave?

They came in the 16th century and left by early 1800s.

What is the area of South America?

17.8 million square km

How is South America linked to North America?

<p>They are connected through the isthmus of Panama.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Strait of Magellan separates ______ from the South American mainland.

<p>Tierra del Fuego</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the latitudes and longitudes of South America?

<p>Latitudes: 12N to 55S Longitudes: 35W to 81W</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is the only non-independent country in South America?

<p>French Guiana</p> Signup and view all the answers

Brazil is the ______ country in South America and the ______ largest country in the world.

<p>largest, fifth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main physical divisions of South America?

<ol> <li>Western mountains or Andes</li> <li>Eastern highlands</li> <li>Central lowlands</li> <li>Coastal plains</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

______ are the longest continuous chain of mountains in the world.

<p>Western mountains or Andes</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much do the Andes mountains stretch?

<p>7250 km</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which are the three high peaks of South America and where are they located?

<p>Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina Mt. Chimborazo and Mt. Cotopaxi, Ecuador.</p> Signup and view all the answers

All the high peaks in South America are all inactive volcanoes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Andes mountains have ______ parallel ranges and ______ is the largest plateau between the parallel ranges.

<p>Three, Bolivian plateau</p> Signup and view all the answers

On which plateau is Lake Titicaca located?

<p>Bolivian plateau</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the eastern highlands comprise of?

<p>Guiana highlands in the north, Brazilian highlands in the east and Patagonian plateau in the south</p> Signup and view all the answers

The eastern highlands are made up of ______ and are rich in ______

<p>Old hard crystalline rocks, minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Guiana highlands are separated from the ______ by the Amazon river.

<p>Brazilian highlands</p> Signup and view all the answers

By what rivers are the Brazilian highlands drained?

<p>San Francisco and Parana</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Patagonian plateau is a ______ and thus it's a ______

<p>Grid region, cold desert</p> Signup and view all the answers

What river basins are the central lowlands drained by?

<p>Orinoco river basin, Amazon river basin, Parana, Paraguay and la plata basin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Orinoco river basin rise and where does it drain?

<p>Guiana highlands, Atlantic ocean</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Amazon river basin rise and where does it drain?

<p>Originates in the Andes in Peru and flows eastwards through Brazil before it drains into the Atlantic Ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the Parana, Paraguay, and La Plata river basins rise and where does it drain?

<p>Brazilian highlands, Atlantic Ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Latin America

A term that refers to countries in the Americas where Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Italian languages are dominant. It includes Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Spanish and Portuguese Influence

Spain and Portugal colonized South America in the 16th century, controlling trade and commerce for centuries. They left by the early 1800s, but their cultural impact remains strong.

South America's Size

South America covers a vast area of 17.8 million square kilometers, making it a continent of impressive scale.

Connecting Continents

South America is connected to North America through the narrow isthmus of Panama, a land bridge that links the two continents.

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Strait of Magellan

This narrow strait separates Tierra del Fuego, a group of islands, from the South American mainland. It's a significant waterway.

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South America's Location

South America spans from 12°N to 55°S and from 35°W to 81°W, placing it within the tropics and southern hemisphere.

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French Guiana

This is the only non-independent country in South America, remaining a French overseas department.

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Brazil's Size

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest country in the world. Its vast size is a key geographical fact.

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South America's Physical Divisions

South America's landscape is comprised of four major divisions: the Western Andes, Eastern highlands, Central lowlands, and Coastal plains. Each division has distinct characteristics.

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The Andes Mountains

The Andes, the longest continuous mountain range in the world, stretch for 7250 kilometers along the western side of South America.

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Andes' High Peaks

The Andes are home to some of South America's highest peaks, including Mt. Aconcagua (Argentina), Mt. Chimborazo, and Mt. Cotopaxi (Ecuador).

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Volcanic Activity in the Andes

All the high peaks in the Andes are active volcanoes, meaning they have the potential to erupt.

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Andes' Structure

The Andes have three parallel ranges, with the Bolivian plateau being the largest plateau located between them. This structure is important for understanding its geography.

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Lake Titicaca

This large, high altitude lake is located on the Bolivian plateau, nestled among the rugged landscapes of the Andes.

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Eastern Highlands

These highlands encompass three distinct regions: the Guiana Highlands in the north, the Brazilian Highlands in the east, and the Patagonian Plateau in the south.

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Eastern Highlands' Composition

The eastern highlands are composed of old, hard crystalline rocks, a source of valuable minerals. This geological structure is significant for resource extraction.

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Guiana Highlands and Amazon

The Guiana Highlands are separated from the Brazilian Highlands by the mighty Amazon River, which flows through the vast Amazon Basin.

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Brazilian Highlands' Drainage

The Brazilian Highlands are drained by two major rivers: the San Francisco River and the Parana River, which play crucial roles in transportation and water supply.

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Patagonian Plateau

The Patagonian Plateau is a arid region, characterized by a lack of rainfall and a cold climate. This makes it a challenging environment.

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Central Lowlands

These lowlands are drained by several vast river basins: the Orinoco, Amazon, Parana, Paraguay, and La Plata. These rivers are crucial for transportation, agriculture, and biodiversity.

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Orinoco River Basin

The Orinoco River Basin rises in the Guiana Highlands and flows north-eastwards to drain into the Atlantic Ocean. It's a vital waterway for the region.

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Amazon River Basin

The Amazon River Basin is the world's largest, originating in the Andes Mountains in Peru and flowing eastward through Brazil before draining into the Atlantic Ocean. Its biodiversity is unparalleled.

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Parana, Paraguay, and La Plata Basins

These river basins rise in the Brazilian Highlands and flow southeastward to drain into the Atlantic Ocean. They play a vital role in the economy and transportation of the region.

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Study Notes

South America: Location and Physical Features

  • Latin America: South America, along with Mexico and Central America, is called Latin America because of historical influences from Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian languages.

  • Colonial Period: Spanish and Portuguese control over trade and commerce lasted from the 16th century to the early 1800s.

  • Area: South America's total area is 17.8 million square kilometers.

  • North American Connection: South America is connected to North America via the Isthmus of Panama.

  • Southernmost Point: The Strait of Magellan separates Tierra del Fuego from the South American mainland.

  • Geographic Coordinates: South America spans latitudes 12°N to 55°S and longitudes 35°W to 81°W.

  • Dependent Territory: French Guiana is the only non-independent country in South America.

  • Largest Country: Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest globally.

  • Major Physical Divisions: South America's major physical divisions are the Andes Mountains, Eastern Highlands, Central Lowlands, and Coastal Plains.

  • Andes Mountains: The Andes form the longest continuous mountain range globally, stretching 7,250 km.

  • High Peaks: Notable high peaks include Mt. Aconcagua (Argentina), Mt. Chimborazo, and Mt. Cotopaxi (Ecuador). All are active volcanoes.

  • Andean Ranges: The Andes feature three parallel ranges, with the Bolivian Plateau being the largest elevated region between them.

  • Lake Titicaca: Lake Titicaca is situated on the Bolivian Plateau.

  • Eastern Highlands: These comprise the Guiana Highlands in the north, the Brazilian Highlands in the east, and the Patagonian Plateau in the south.

  • Highland Composition: The Eastern Highlands are primarily composed of old, hard crystalline rocks and are rich in mineral resources.

  • Guiana-Brazilian Divide: The Amazon River separates the Guiana Highlands from the Brazilian Highlands.

  • Brazilian Highlands Drainage: The Brazilian Highlands are drained by the São Francisco and Paraná rivers.

  • Patagonian Plateau: The Patagonian Plateau is a cold desert region.

  • Central Lowland River Basins: The central lowlands are drained by the Orinoco, Amazon, Paraná-Paraguay-Plata river basins.

  • Orinoco River Basin: The Orinoco River basin originates in the Guiana Highlands and drains into the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Amazon River Basin: Originating in the Andes of Peru, the Amazon River flows eastward through Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Paraná-Paraguay-Plata River Basin: The Paraná-Paraguay-Plata river basin originates in the Brazilian Highlands and flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

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Description

This quiz explores the geographical location and physical characteristics of South America. It covers key aspects such as its area, major countries, and significant geographical features. Test your knowledge of this diverse continent!

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