Section 2

What are the key components that make up North America?

Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

What major body of water separates Central America from the Pacific Ocean?

The Caribbean Sea

What is the role of Central America in relation to North and South America?

an isthmus that joins North and South America.

Which freshwater lakes are part of the Great Lakes?

Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Superior.

What is the significance of the Panama Canal?

allows ships to move easily from the Pacific Ocean into the Caribbean Sea.

Which islands make up the Greater Antilles?

Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.

What are Pampas in South America known for?

temperate grasslands that support agriculture and ranching.

What is the Iberian Peninsula?

A large peninsula in southwestern Europe consisting of Spain and Portugal.

What does the term Microstates refer to?

small sovereign states recognized as independent with limited land area and resources.

Which countries make up the Baltic States?

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

What is Zanj in relation to East Africa?

coastal regions of East Africa where Swahili is spoken.

Define the term Monsoons.

seasonal wind patterns that cause significant changes in precipitation.

What is the ancient region of Mesopotamia known for?

a historical region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

What is Zoroastrianism?

an ancient monotheistic religion established by the prophet Zoroaster.

Which region is home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina?

the region of Saudi Arabia that contains the holy cities.

What are the main countries in South Asia?

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, The Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan.

What does the term Australasia encompass?

Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.

Describe the composition of Micronesia.

consists of islands such as Kiribati, Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands, and Palau.