The Amazon River Quiz

Study Notes

The Amazon River

The Amazon River is one of the longest rivers in the world, measuring approximately 4,000 miles in length.
It's slightly shorter than the Nile River.
Some argue that the Amazon is actually longer than the Nile, due to disagreements about the starting and ending points of both rivers.
The Amazon is wider than the Nile and boasts the largest volume of water of any river in the world.
The Amazon River originates from the Ucayali-Apurímac river system in southern Peru, flows eastward, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Along its journey, it traverses Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, with its tributaries reaching as far as Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
Roughly two-thirds of the Amazon River flows through Brazil.
The Amazon River is surrounded by the Amazon rainforest, and the two ecosystems are closely intertwined, with many plants and animals relying on both habitats.
Scientists estimate that a large portion of the river's biodiversity remains undiscovered, highlighting the potential for both exciting discoveries and the risk of extinction before species can be documented.
Birds, monkeys, and insects depend on the river for food.
Over 2,500 fish species have been identified in the Amazon River system, and scientists believe that a similar number may remain unknown.
The insect diversity is even greater, with over 8,000 species identified, although the actual number is likely much higher due to the small size and elusive nature of many species.
Many of the Amazon River's fish are migratory, traveling long distances to lay eggs.
These fish are a vital source of protein for the native caboclo people living in the rainforest.
The piranha, a well-known Amazon fish, typically feeds on other fish and generally avoids humans.
However, when food is scarce or they feel threatened, their sharp teeth can inflict serious wounds on humans.
Threats to the Amazon River's fish include overfishing and the trade of frozen fish for consumption worldwide.