Chapter Intro 1

Chapter Intro 1

Chapter Intro 2Chapter ObjectivesDescribe the dominant landforms and natural resources of Latin America. Discuss Latin Americas climate and vegetation.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

Section 1-1The LandExplain how geographers divide the large region known as Latin America. Identify the factors that have shaped the formation of Latin Americas landforms. Discuss how the Latin American landscape has influenced patterns of human settlement. List the natural resources that make Latin America an economically important region.ObjectivesClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

Section 1-2altiplano escarpment llano pampa Terms to Knowgaucho hydroelectric power estuarycordillera The LandClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

Section 1-3Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.Middle America Central America West Indies South America Sierra Madre Andes Mexican Plateau Patagonia Mato Grosso Plateau Rio Grande Ro de la PlataAmazon River Places to LocateThe Land

Section 1-5The Dominican Republic, a small Caribbean country with a population only slightly greater than that of New York City, publishes ten daily newspapers. El Listn Diario, read by 50,000 people every day, is the oldest Spanish-language newspaper in the Caribbean.

Section 1-6A Vast RegionLatin America covers 8 million square miles of land, from the United States-Mexico border to the southern tip of Argentina in South America. The name Latin America refers to the languages (Spanish and Portuguese, derived from Latin) spoken in this geographic region. Geographers divide Latin America into three regions: Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 193194)

Section 1-7Why do you think geographers divide Latin America into three distinct areas?Each area of this vast region has a distinct physical geography. Dividing the region in this way allows geographers to discuss features of the region more specifically and accurately.A Vast Region (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.(pages 193194)

Section 1-8Mountains and PlateausLatin Americas rugged landscape is the result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where plates of the earths crust have collided for millions of years, causing earthquakes and creating mountains and volcanoes.(pages 194196)

Section 1-9Mountains of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Mexicos Sierra Madre and the Central Highlands in Central America rise above the landscape of Middle America. Many Caribbean islands are part of the Central Highlands mountain range.Mountains and Plateaus (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 194196)

Section 1-10Andes of South America The Andes mountain ranges run along the western edge of South America and are the worlds longest mountain range (4,500 miles). Their parallel ranges, called cordilleras, are arranged in deep folds. In southern Argentina, hills and lower flatlands form a plateau known as Patagonia.Mountains and Plateaus (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 194196)

Section 1-11Highlands of Brazil Much of Brazil consists of broad plateaus, such as the Mata Grosso Plateau and the Brazilian Highlands. Mountains and Plateaus (cont.)(pages 194196)

Section 1-12What advantages and disadvantages does Latin Americas rugged landscape offer to residents?The mountains provide abundant natural resources and relief from the heat of the lowlands, but they impede travel and communications, create natural hazards, and make construction of infrastructure difficult.Mountains and Plateaus (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.(pages 194196)

Section 1-13Narrow coastal lowlands hem the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America.Lowlands and Plains(pages 196197)

Section 1-15Inland areas of South America hold vast grasslands that provide wide grazing for beef cattle.(pages 196197)Lowlands and Plains (cont.)

Section 1-17What economic activities might Latin Americas lowlands and plains support?Fertile land in lowland areas supports tropical crops, such as bananas; plains areas favor ranching and the growing of grains such as corn and wheat.Lowlands and Plains (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.(pages 196197)

Section 1-18Rivers of South America Navigable rivers, such as the Amazon, serve as transportation routes and provide hydroelectric power. Lakes Latin America has few large lakes. Lake Titicaca in the Andes of Bolivia and Peru is the worlds highest navigable lake.Water SystemsClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 197198)

Section 1-19Why are rivers important to Latin Americans?The rivers often are used to transport goods and people to and from remote, mountainous, or densely vegetated areas.Water Systems (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.(pages 197198)

Section 1-20Latin Americas significant natural resources include minerals, forests, farmlands, and water. Major deposits of oil and natural gas occur along the Gulf of Mexico and southern Caribbean Sea. Mexico and Venezuela are leading petroleum producers.Natural ResourcesClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(page 198)

Section 1-21Venezuelas Orinoco River area contains 11 percent of the worlds gold. Brazil is also rich in gold, and Peru and Mexico are known for their silver deposits. Chile is the worlds leading exporter of copper. Geographic inaccessibility, lack of capital, and social and political divisions hinder fuller development and distribution of natural resources in Latin America.Natural Resources (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(page 198)

Section 1-22What challenges to the further development of its natural resources does Latin America face?Technology has not yet overcome the mountain ranges and other physical barriers between countries. Trade and communication are difficult. Unstable governments have made investors wary of investing in the region. Education systems are undeveloped in some areas, which hampers technological innovation. Health issues remain a challenge.Natural Resources (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.(page 198)

Section 1-23Checking for Understanding__ 1.Spanish for high plain, a region in Peru and Bolivia encircled by the Andes peaks__ 2.the cowhands of Argentina and Uruguay__ 3.steep cliff or slope between a higher and lower land surface__ 4.parallel chains or ranges of mountains __ 5.an area where the tide meets a river current

A.cordilleraB.altiplanoC.escarpmentD.llanoE.pampaF.gauchoG.hydroelectric powerH.estuaryDefine Match each definition in the left column with the appropriate term in the right column.FCAHBClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.

Section 1-24Checking for Understanding__ 6.electrical energy generated by falling water__ 7.grassy, treeless plains of southern South America__ 8.fertile plains in inland areas of Colombia and Venezuela GEDClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.Define Match each definition in the left column with the appropriate term in the right column.A.cordilleraB.altiplanoC.escarpmentD.llanoE.pampaF.gauchoG.hydroelectric powerH.estuary

Section 1-25Critical ThinkingIdentifying Cause and Effect How do the physical features of Latin America affect everyday life? Give examples.Possible answer: Mountains are rich in natural resources, but they also block movement and trade and isolate regions and people.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

Section 1-26Drawing Conclusions Why does much of South America have the potential to produce hydroelectric power?Mountainous terrain creates fast-moving rivers and streams that can be dammed for generating electricity.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Critical Thinking

Section 1-27Making Inferences What factors make Latin America important to the global economy?Latin America has mineral wealth, such as gold, silver, emeralds, copper, aluminum, tin, and iron. It also has forest products and good agricultural produce, oil, and natural gas. Swift rivers and geothermal regions have the potential to produce electricity.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Critical Thinking

Section 1-28Analyzing MapsRegion Study the physical-political map on the right. What part of South America is dominated by mountains?The western part, especially near the coast, is dominated by the Andes.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

Section 1-29Applying GeographyEffects of Landforms Think about the physical features of South America. Write a descriptive paragraph explaining how landforms affect the course of South Americas water systems.

Section 2-1Climate and VegetationList the climate regions that are represented in Latin America. Describe how Latin Americas location and landforms affect climates even within particular regions. Discuss how the natural vegetation and agriculture of Latin America are influenced by climatic factors.ObjectivesClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

Section 2-2Amazon Basin Places to LocateColombia Venezuela Argentina Uruguay Atacama DesertClimate and VegetationClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.canopy tierra caliente Terms to Knowtierra templada tierra fra

Section 2-4The rain forests of Latin America are the source of many medicines. For example, the poisonous bark of certain curare plants is used to treat such diseases as multiple sclerosis and other muscular disorders, and as a surgical anesthetic. Scientists use the chemical structures of rain forest plants as models from which they can synthesize drug compounds. Rain forest plants also aid in research. Some plant compounds show scientists how cancer cells grow, for example.

Section 2-5Climate and Vegetation RegionsMost of Latin America lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn; thus, much of its area has a tropical climate. However, there is a great variety of climates in the region. Tropical Regions Mexico, eastern central America, some Caribbean islands, and such parts of South America as the Amazon Basin have a tropical rain forest climate and vegetation, with hot temperatures and abundant rainfall occurring year-round.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 199202)

Section 2-6The Rain Forest The Amazon Basin, with the earths largest rain forest, covers one-third of South America and has trees that form a dense canopy that soars as high as 130 feet over the forest floor. Tropical Savanna In the tropical savanna climate typical of the coast of southwestern Mexico, most Caribbean islands, and north-central South America, the grasslands have hot temperatures, abundant rainfall, and a dry season lasting several months.Climate and Vegetation Regions (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 199202)

Section 2-7The Humid Subtropics In the humid subtropical climate of southeastern South America, the winters are short and mild, and the summers are long, hot, and humid.Climate and Vegetation Regions (cont.)(pages 199202)

Section 2-8Desert and Steppe Areas Parts of northern Mexico and the southwestern region of South America have desert climates and vegetation; in Chile the rain shadow effect of the Andes has produced the dry, arid Atacama Desert, whereas other areas have a steppe climate, with hot summers, cool winters, and light rainfall.(pages 199202)Climate and Vegetation Regions (cont.)

Section 2-10What kinds of vegetation might be found in rain forest areas of Latin America?Hardwood trees, palms, tree ferns, and bamboo might be found in the rain forests of Latin America.Climate and Vegetation Regions (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.(pages 199202)

Section 2-11Elevation and ClimateThe climates of Latin America depend more on elevation than on distance from the Equator. The tierra caliente lies between sea level and 2,500 feet and has average annual temperatures from 68F to 91F. The main crops include bananas, sugar, rice, and cacao.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 202203)

Section 2-12The tierra templada lies between 2,500 and 6,500 feet and has average daily temperatures between 60F and 72F. Coffee and corn are the main crops. In the tierra fra, frosts are common in the winter months. Potatoes and barley grow at these elevations.Elevation and Climate (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.(pages 202203)

Section 2-13Why do you think most Latin Americans live in the tropical zones rather than high in the Andes Mountains?It is easier to survive in a tropical climate. People can grow food, and they will not suffer from severe winters. High in the mountains, the temperatures are much colder, and farming is much more difficult. Travel, communications, and access to services such as education, cultural events, and health care are all more difficult.Elevation and Climate (cont.)Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.(pages 202203)

Section 2-14Checking for Understanding__ 1.Spanish term for cold land; the highest altitude zone of Latin American highlands climates__ 2.Spanish term for hot land; the lowest altitude zone of Latin American highlands climates__ 3.top layer of a rain forest, where the tops of tall trees form a continuous layer of leaves__ 4.Spanish term for temperate land; the middle altitude zone of Latin American highlands climatesA.canopyB.tierra calienteC.tierra templadaD.tierra fraDefine Match each definition in the left column with the appropriate term in the right column.DBACClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.

Section 2-15Critical ThinkingMaking Inferences Why might some Latin Americans live in areas in which climate and agriculture are unfavorable?Possible answer: Some Latin Americans might live in these areas because of tradition and natural resources (for example, minerals and timber) that can support them economically.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

Section 2-16Determining Cause and Effect How does elevation affect climate and vegetation in Latin America?Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Critical ThinkingPossible answer: Higher elevations have cooler temperatures and less varied vegetation.

Section 2-17Comparing and Contrasting Compare the pampas to your region. How do the climate and vegetation help define the economic activities in each place?Critical Thinking

Section 2-18Analyzing MapsPlace Study the vegetation map on the right. Which two types of vegetation cover most of South America?Tropical rain forest and tropical grassland cover most of South America.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

Summary and Study Guide 1Section 1: The Land (pages 193198)Latin America includes Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America. Latin Americas physical features include high mountain ranges, less rugged highlands, vast central plains, and volcanic islands. The water systems of Latin America, especially the mighty rivers of South America, are key to human activity in the region. Although the region is rich in natural resources, geographic, political, and economic obstacles have kept resources from being developed fully or shared equally.Key PointsClick the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

Summary and Study Guide 2Section 2: Climate and Vegetation (pages 199203)Much of Latin America lies in the Tropics; however, landforms and wind patterns give the region great climatic diversity. Tropical climates such as tropical forest and tropical savanna are the most common climates in Latin America. The natural vegetation of Latin America consists mainly of rain forests and grasslands. The tropical highlands in Latin America include three vertical climate zones that are based on latitude and elevation.Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.Key Points

Chapter Assessment 1Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.Reviewing Key TermsInsert the key term that best completes each of the following sentences.cordillerasaltiplanoescarpmentllanospampasgauchoestuarycanopytierra calientetierra templadatierra frahydroelectric power1.The Andes consist of parallel mountain ranges, or ___________________.2.The high plain encircled by the Andes of Bolivia and Peru is known as the ___________________.3.The plateau of the Brazilian Highlands plunges sharply to the Atlantic Ocean, forming a steep cliff called an ___________________.cordillerasaltiplanoescarpment

Chapter Assessment 2Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.4.Cattle are raised on the broad grasslands called ___________________ in Colombia and Venezuela and ___________________ in Argentina and Uruguay.5.The Ro de la Plata is typical of an ___________________, an area where the tide meets a river current.Reviewing Key Termscordillerasaltiplanoescarpmentllanospampasgauchoestuarycanopytierra calientetierra templadatierra frahydroelectric powerllanospampasestuaryInsert the key term that best completes each of the following sentences.

Chapter Assessment 3Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.6.Highlands climates are divided into vertical zones, including the hot ___________________, the temperate ___________________, and the cold ___________________.Reviewing Key Termscordillerasaltiplanoescarpmentllanospampasgauchoestuarycanopytierra calientetierra templadatierra frahydroelectric powertierra calientetierra templadatierra fraInsert the key term that best completes each of the following sentences.

Chapter Assessment 4Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.What are the three major geographic areas within Latin America?Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America are the three major geographic areas within Latin America.Reviewing FactsSection 1: The Land

Chapter Assessment 5Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.What three island groups make up the West Indies?The Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles make up the West Indies.Reviewing FactsSection 1: The Land

Chapter Assessment 6Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Which three rivers flow into the Ro de la Plata?The Paran, Paraguay, and Uruguay Rivers flow into the Ro de la Plata.Reviewing FactsSection 1: The Land

Chapter Assessment 7Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.What are the eight climate regions of Latin America?The eight climate regions are tropical rain forest, tropical savanna, steppe, desert, Mediterranean, humid subtropical, marine west coast, and highlands.Reviewing FactsSection 2: Climate and Vegetation

Chapter Assessment 8Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.What factors determine why Latin Americas highlands climate is divided into three zones?Elevation and latitude are the factors that determine the three climate zones.Reviewing FactsSection 2: Climate and Vegetation

Chapter Assessment 9Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Where is the worlds largest rain forest located?The worlds largest rain forest is located in the Amazon Basin.Reviewing FactsSection 2: Climate and Vegetation

Chapter Assessment 10Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.What are South Americas two main grassland areas called?South Americas two main grassland areas are called llanos and pampas.Reviewing FactsSection 2: Climate and Vegetation

Chapter Assessment 11Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Critical ThinkingMaking Generalizations Write a generalization that describes the kinds of economic activities you would expect to find in grasslands areas, using Latin America as an example.The grasslands are ideal for grazing, and the rich prairie soil is ideal for agriculture.

Chapter Assessment 12Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Critical ThinkingAnalyzing Information Identify and explain the factors affecting the location of different types of economic activities in Latin American countries.Possible answer: Physical geography in some areas of the region often impedes economic development because geographic inaccessibility isolates people. Yet some areas, such as the pampas, are economically strong.

Chapter Assessment 13Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.Locating PlacesMatch the letters on the map with the physical features of Latin America.__1.Amazon River__2.Lake Titicaca__3.Rio Grande__4.Hispaniola__5.Lake Maracaibo__6.Ro de la Plata__7.Gulf of Mexico__8.Pampas__9.Caribbean Sea__10.Orinoco River__11.Mexican PlateauDICEHKGFJAB

Chapter Assessment 14Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.Which Latin American country supplies 25 percent of the worlds coffee?Brazil supplies 25 percent of the worlds coffee.

Chapter Maps and Charts: Physical-Political

Chapter Maps and Charts: Climate Regions

Chapter Maps and Charts: Natural Vegetation

Chapter Maps and Charts: Comparing Climates

Chapter Maps and Charts: Mexico

Political Map Transparency 3

Daily Focus Skills Transparency 8-2Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.Quito; temperatures get colder with increased altitude

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