South America Chapter 7 and 8

Bell Ringer Page 199 What is the difference between climate change and global warming? In what way do the rainforests clean the Earth’s air?

High Mountains – Large Basin The Andes Mountains are a string of mountain ranges that stretch about 5500 miles along the western side of the continent. The climate in the Andes is generally cool and dry. Because of low temperatures and high elevation, few types of vegetation, or plants, grow here.

Amazon River Basin The Amazon River Basin is the largest river basin on Earth. It covers nearly the width of the continent. The river drains this basin, flowing from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is warm and wet, with many different species of plants and animals.

Northern Grasslands Northern South America is mostly used for cattle ranching on the Llanos, or grasslands – wide open areas used for grazing and crops. The highest waterfall in the world – Angel Falls – is located in Venezuela.

Southern Part of South America In much of the southern part of the continent, the rich soil of the grassy plain in Argentina called the Pampas is ideal for growing alfalfa, corn, and wheat.

Amazon River The Amazon River begins high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, and flows east across the continent emptying into the Atlantic. This river system has more than 1000 tributaries, or small rivers that drain into a larger river. The Amazon is the world’s second longest river, and the largest river by volume. It includes the world’s largest tropical rain forest.

Amazon Rain Forest Rain forests are complex ecosystems, containing thousands of different animals, birds, and insects. Many unusual plants are used to fight deadly diseases. Through a process called transpiration, plants and trees release water vapor into the air contributing to the water cycle that waters the earth. The plants in the Amazon rain forest absorb greenhouse gases from Earth’s atmosphere such as coal and oil that produce carbon dioxide. Rain forests plants naturally absorb this carbon dioxide keeping the air clean.

Deforestation In National Geographic, journalist Scott Wallace reported that 20% of the rain forest has been lost in the last 40 years. Widespread deforestation threatens the biodiversity of the Amazon and fewer trees remain to produce moisture and cloud cover to remove greenhouse gases from the air.

Essential Question Why are rainforests so important ? Rainforests absorb carbon dioxide from the air helping to keep the air clean.

Bell Ringer Page 217 – Data Lab – Indigenous populations of South America 1.In what countries do the highest and lowest numbers of indigenous people live? 2.In what ways might low percentages impact indigenous populations? Highest: Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia Lowest: French Guiana/ Brazil Low percentages may mean indigenous populations will dwindle or die out

Indigenous Cultures Indigenous groups have lived in South America for thousands of years. Their descendants still live and work in the region today. Unfamiliar diseases and warfare with Europeans killed many native people and substantially reduced their populations. Many people in South America are mestizo, or mixed European and native ancestry. Some have African roots

Language Diversity South America is a land of varied cultures. It is also a land of diverse languages. Then various languages that South Americans speak come from at least 50 language families. The predominant, or main languages in South America are Spanish and Portuguese. Creole is a language that results when two other languages are combined together. Large number of Indigenous groups are one reason why more than 500 languages are spoken today. Also the topography of the land contributed to isolation for many years.

Daily Life Roman Catholicism became the main religion in South America during the colonial period. Spanish and Portuguese colonists were Roman Catholic, and they converted many native people to Catholicism. Brazil has the world’s largest Catholic population. Other religious practices exist alongside Christianity. In Brazil a local religion called Candomble combines African spiritual practices with Catholicism. The annual Carnival festival in Brazil mixes Roman Catholic practices with Traditional African celebrations.

School and Sports Every country in South America provides public education. Some children live in rural areas, with few schools, and may not attend school regularly. Other children leave school early to help earn money for their families. Futbol – known as soccer – or watching a favorite team compete is a popular pastime in South America.

Governments The governments of South America are moving toward democracy and strengthening their economies. Argentina: Constitutional government is stable after years of dictators and military control. Its economy is one of the strongest in South America. Peru: 2001 elected their first Quechua president, Alejandro Toledo. Chile: returned to democratic rule in 1990 after years of ruthless dictatorship. First Female president was elected in 2006 – Bachelet.

Essential Questions Page Two resources that provide fuel for Brazil? Sugarcane, corn, (ethanol), oil 2.How has Brazil built a strong economy from natural resources? Sugarcane, coffee beans, petroleum, Corn, fruits…. 3. Most important part of the economy in the future? Probably sugarcane – renewable – and can be use for so many other things (think about peanuts)