Unit 5: Latin America

5 Themes Quick Review: Regions A region is a group of places that share one or more common characteristics. Regions can be formed around common physical or cultural features There are three types of regions… formal, functional, or perceptual

United Through Culture The people of Latin America are united primarily through: The Spanish language The Roman Catholic religion THIS IS A FUNCTIONAL REGION! These cultural behaviors were brought to the region in the 1500s by the Spanish conquistadores.

Where Is Latin America? This region corresponds to all nations south of the Rio Grande, consisting of, Mexico and Central America (in North America), South America, and the countries of the Caribbean. 9 % of the world’s people live in Latin America.

MEXICO Latin America Central America Caribbean South America

Please follow along and add new information to your notes as we go. Chapter 10: Mexico Please follow along and add new information to your notes as we go. Vamonos!

Mexico has 31 states, and 1 Federal District

Physical Features

What is a Peninsula? Peninsula- land with water on three sides. Mexico has 2 large peninsulas: Baja California Yucatan

Landforms in Mexico Mexico is about 3 times the size of Texas Most of Mexico is a plateau. Three mountain ranges border the Mexican Plateau: Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre Occidental, and the Sierra Madre del Sur. Coastal plains separate the mountains from the sea.

Mexico City Mexico City is Latin America’s largest city- and the 2nd largest city in the world! 20,000,000 live here!

Central America and the Caribbean Follow along and add new information as we go. No problems, mon!

CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN Latin America MEXICO CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

Central America is part of the North American continent. This region has seven countries. Central America is an isthmus that joins North and South America.

The Caribbean islands are divided into the Greater and Lesser Antilles.

Quick Review! What is the difference between an isthmus and a strait? What is the difference between an island and an archipelago?

Answer: An island is land surrounded by water. An archipelago is a chain of islands. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger landmasses. A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water.

Island of Montserrat under volcanic ash Landforms Tectonic processes have shaped the region, and it is very mountainous. Many islands are the tops of volcanic mountains. Some islands have active volcanoes. Some islands began as coral reefs. Island of Montserrat under volcanic ash Coral Reef

Climate Central America and the Caribbean are located in the low latitudes, or tropics. Dry winters and rainy summers are common. Climate zones are affected by elevation and the rain shadow effect.

Not Always Paradise Environmental Disasters include earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. Http://www.newsmontserrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/volcano_7big_montserrat_eruption.jpg http://www.bridalbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/caribbean_hurricane.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7bTnKjFZQY

Design a Postcard

Your postcard is your entrance ticket to class tomorrow. Dear Ms. Rose, I have seen two human features and these two physical features. Wish you could see them too. Don’t forget you must have’s 2 physical features (40pts) 2 human features (40 pts) and color/neatness (20 pts) = 100pts Kimberly Rose 5110 Walzem Rd. San Antonio, TX 78218

Population Facts About 9% of the world’s population lives in Latin America.

Physical South America

Landforms and Biomes Mountains: The Andes extend along the Pacific coast of South America. They were formed by tectonic activity. Altiplano: high plateau Grasslands: Llanos and Pampas Desert: Atacama

Ecosystems Related words: low “lats,” elevation, rain shadow tropical rain forest Ecosystems Highlands Atacama Desert Related words: low “lats,” elevation, rain shadow

The Andes Re

South America’s Grasslands llanos pampas Related words: prairie, plains, agriculture, arable

Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls Three large river systems drain the eastern part of the continent: Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná Major lakes include:Titicaca, Maracaibo, Poopó Waterfalls found along the tepuis: Angel Falls (world’s tallest!)

Tepuis and Angel Falls                  Related words: plateau, fall line, elevation

The Amazing Rain Forest

Senhor… The Rainforest sustains more than 50% of the world's plant and animal species produces oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide ecotourism supports local economies provides common products like chocolate, rubber, sugar, cinnamon, and provides medicines and potential medications

Images of the Rainforest                                            

Challenges for the Amazon Basin The Amazon basin is rich in natural resources, such as rubber, lumber, and even oil. Countries must use plans that support sustainable development goals in this region. This means that economic interests must be balanced with environmental concerns. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msqfw5nCmJo&feature=related

Landforms The Andes extend along the Pacific coast of South America. They were formed by tectonic activity. Altiplano Tepuis-Angel Falls Llanos Gran Chaco Pampas

Altiplano (High Plateau) In west central South America in the central Andes Mountains Average height of 12,300 feet with many active volcanoes and a cool arid and semi-arid climate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SajamaPark.jpg

Tepuis-Angel Falls It is the world's highest waterfall, with a height of 3,212 ft and a plunge of 2,648 ft http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_falls

Ecosystems South America has the largest tropical rain forest in the world. Highland climates of the Andes vary with elevation Atacama Desert