Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why is South America called Latin America along with Mexico and Central America?
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?
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?
What is the area of South America?
17.8 million square km
How is South America linked to North America?
How is South America linked to North America?
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The Strait of Magellan separates ______ from the South American mainland.
The Strait of Magellan separates ______ from the South American mainland.
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What are the latitudes and longitudes of South America?
What are the latitudes and longitudes of South America?
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Which is the only non-independent country in South America?
Which is the only non-independent country in South America?
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Brazil is the ______ country in South America and the ______ largest country in the world.
Brazil is the ______ country in South America and the ______ largest country in the world.
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What are the four main physical divisions of South America?
What are the four main physical divisions of South America?
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______ are the longest continuous chain of mountains in the world.
______ are the longest continuous chain of mountains in the world.
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How much do the Andes mountains stretch?
How much do the Andes mountains stretch?
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Which are the three high peaks of South America and where are they located?
Which are the three high peaks of South America and where are they located?
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All the high peaks in South America are all inactive volcanoes.
All the high peaks in South America are all inactive volcanoes.
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The Andes mountains have ______ parallel ranges and ______ is the largest plateau between the parallel ranges.
The Andes mountains have ______ parallel ranges and ______ is the largest plateau between the parallel ranges.
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On which plateau is Lake Titicaca located?
On which plateau is Lake Titicaca located?
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What do the eastern highlands comprise of?
What do the eastern highlands comprise of?
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The eastern highlands are made up of ______ and are rich in ______
The eastern highlands are made up of ______ and are rich in ______
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The Guiana highlands are separated from the ______ by the Amazon river.
The Guiana highlands are separated from the ______ by the Amazon river.
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By what rivers are the Brazilian highlands drained?
By what rivers are the Brazilian highlands drained?
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The Patagonian plateau is a ______ and thus it's a ______
The Patagonian plateau is a ______ and thus it's a ______
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What river basins are the central lowlands drained by?
What river basins are the central lowlands drained by?
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Where does the Orinoco river basin rise and where does it drain?
Where does the Orinoco river basin rise and where does it drain?
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Where does the Amazon river basin rise and where does it drain?
Where does the Amazon river basin rise and where does it drain?
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Where do the Parana, Paraguay, and La Plata river basins rise and where does it drain?
Where do the Parana, Paraguay, and La Plata river basins rise and where does it drain?
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Study Notes
South America: Location and Physical Features
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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.
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Colonial Period: Spanish and Portuguese control over trade and commerce lasted from the 16th century to the early 1800s.
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Area: South America's total area is 17.8 million square kilometers.
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North American Connection: South America is connected to North America via the Isthmus of Panama.
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Southernmost Point: The Strait of Magellan separates Tierra del Fuego from the South American mainland.
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Geographic Coordinates: South America spans latitudes 12°N to 55°S and longitudes 35°W to 81°W.
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Dependent Territory: French Guiana is the only non-independent country in South America.
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Largest Country: Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest globally.
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Major Physical Divisions: South America's major physical divisions are the Andes Mountains, Eastern Highlands, Central Lowlands, and Coastal Plains.
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Andes Mountains: The Andes form the longest continuous mountain range globally, stretching 7,250 km.
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High Peaks: Notable high peaks include Mt. Aconcagua (Argentina), Mt. Chimborazo, and Mt. Cotopaxi (Ecuador). All are active volcanoes.
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Andean Ranges: The Andes feature three parallel ranges, with the Bolivian Plateau being the largest elevated region between them.
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Lake Titicaca: Lake Titicaca is situated on the Bolivian Plateau.
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Eastern Highlands: These comprise the Guiana Highlands in the north, the Brazilian Highlands in the east, and the Patagonian Plateau in the south.
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Highland Composition: The Eastern Highlands are primarily composed of old, hard crystalline rocks and are rich in mineral resources.
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Guiana-Brazilian Divide: The Amazon River separates the Guiana Highlands from the Brazilian Highlands.
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Brazilian Highlands Drainage: The Brazilian Highlands are drained by the São Francisco and Paraná rivers.
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Patagonian Plateau: The Patagonian Plateau is a cold desert region.
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Central Lowland River Basins: The central lowlands are drained by the Orinoco, Amazon, Paraná-Paraguay-Plata river basins.
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Orinoco River Basin: The Orinoco River basin originates in the Guiana Highlands and drains into the Atlantic Ocean.
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Amazon River Basin: Originating in the Andes of Peru, the Amazon River flows eastward through Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean.
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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!
