Unit 3: Geography of Central and South America Terms

Isthmus

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas

Sinkholes

steep-sided depressions that form when the roof of a cave collapses

Milpa Cultivation

growing crops in between each other increases soil fertility

Conquistador

A Spanish conqueror of the Americas

Hacienda

Spanish colonists formed large, self-sufficient farming estates known as these.

plaza; square

a public square, marketplace, or similar open space in front of a church

Mestizo

A person of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry.

Dictator

A ruler who has complete power over a country

Cash crops

crops grown for sale in a market

Maquiadoras

A factory built by a U.S. company in Mexico near the U.S. border, to take advantage of the much lower labor costs in Mexico.

indigenous

native to a certain area

Mulattoes

People of African and European descent

cacao

Tropical tree whose seeds are used to make chocolate and cocoa

Ecotourism

A form of tourism, based on the enjoyment of scenic areas or natural wonders, that aims to provide an experience of nature or culture in an environmentally sustainable way.

Commonwealth

A self-governing territory associated with another country

Creoles

blend of European, African, or Caribbean Indian languages

Voodoo

Haitian version of traditional African religious beliefs that are blended with elements of Christianity.

Santeria

Originating in Cuba, a religion that blends African traditions and Christian beliefs

CARICOM

An association of English-speaking Caribbean states that are attempting to establish a customs union.

Tepuis

A chain of high plateaus in the Guiana Highlands

Tree line

A line above elevation in which trees do not grow

tar sands

rock or sand layers that contain oil

Llanos

A large, grassy, treeless plains area in South America, used for grazing and farming

Gran Chaco

Very flat plains between the Andes and Brazilian Highlands of South America, often used for hunting

Pampas

A wide, fertile grasslands region in Argentina and Uruguay

El Nino

Ocean and weather pattern in which the southeastern Pacific Ocean is warmer than usual, affecting regional climates

La Nina

A climate event in the eastern Pacific Ocean in which surface waters are colder than normal.

Inca

Founders of South America's greatest early civilization

Chibcha

An early native tribe found in Colombia.

Latifundia

large farming estates

buffer state

a small neutral state between two rival powers

coup

the violent overthrow of a government by a small group; a victorious accomplishment

Manioc

tropical plant with starchy roots

Minifundia

small South American farms created when large colonial estates were broken up

Favelas

Large slums around Brazilian cities

Landlocked

completely surrounded by land with no direct access to the ocean

Terrorism

the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims.

Mercosur

The largest latin american trade agreement; includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay