Latin America Geography Chapter 1 sections 1-3 Test will be on May 31

hydroelectricty Electric power produced by rushing water

tributary A River or stream that flows into a larger river Example: Amazon river has many tributaries

pampas The grasslands of South America Many cattle graze on these plains

plateau Large, raised land that is flat and level Example: Central Mexico

El NIÑO A warming of the ocean water along the western coast of South America

isthmus A narrow strip of land that connects Mexico to South America. It is boarded by water on two sides Central America is considered an Isthmus

elevation Height of land above sea level

Andes Mountains Located along the west coast of South America, they are the 2nd largest mountains in the world.

diversify To add variety

1. Why is mexico’s central plateau important to the region? Most of the country’s people live there.

2. One of the uses of rivers in Central America is to produce what? hydroelectricity

3. Central America has multiple landforms, name them. mountains, volcanoes, and coastal plains

4. Some Caribbean islands are coral islands formed from what? the skeletons of tiny sea animals

5. Two South American countries that produce coffee as a key crops are? Brazil and Columbia

6. What is the Amazon River Basin home to? the largest tropical rain forest in the world

7. To reduce their reliance on one natural resource or crop, many Latin American countries have begun to do what? Build up their industries diversify

8. When the price of copper goes down, how does that affect the economy in Chile? The economy suffers because Chile relies on a one-resource economy.

9. How does the climate in Latin America differ from place to place? Elevation from the Andes Mountains makes parts very cold. Caribbean is usually sunny and warm Deserts in Latin America are the hottest and driest in the world. Rainforest in the Amazon Basin is very wet and hot.

10. The drop in oil prices in the 1980’s probably helped to convince Venezuela to do what? promote investment in other industries diversify

11. How are some Caribbean islands formed? Tops of under water volcanic mountains Coral Reefs

12. Where is Latin America located? Western Hemisphere South of the United States

13. The tropical wet and dry climate of the Caribbean is good for farming what types of crops? Bananas, sugarcane, and coffee

14. Trade and travel among the regions of South America have been affected by what? It’s been affected by location. It’s difficult to travel over the high mountains and into the dense rain forests.

15. What are the regions of Latin America? Mexico and Central America (Middle America) the Caribbean South America

16. What is the long mountain chain that runs along the west coast of South America? Andes Mountains

17. What factors affect climate in Latin America? elevation, the Equator, and wind patterns

18. What primarily influences crops grown on farms in the Andes Mountains? Elevation – only a few crops can grow at high altitude

Be able to use the key to interpret the map below

Be able to use the key to interpret the map below