Human and Physical Geography of South America

Flashcards reviewing human geography, historical movements, physical landforms, water systems, climate zones, and environmental challenges of South America.

What factors attracted Spanish conquistadors to the Inca Empire?

The Inca Empire's wealth and highly developed infrastructure.

Which two leaders directed South American independence movements in the 1800s?

Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín.

What percentage of South America's population lives in urban areas?

About $80\%$ of the subregion's people live in urban areas.

What is "brain drain" as experienced by South America?

The loss of many highly educated and skilled workers migrating to North America and Europe.

Which country is South America's most densely populated?

Ecuador.

What percentage of Argentina's population is of European descent?

$97\%$ of Argentina's population is European.

When is Carnival celebrated in relation to the Catholic liturgical calendar?

In the week before Lent, which is a $40\text{ day}$ period of fasting and prayer prior to Easter.

Which nations have established free-trade agreements with Chile that have strengthened its economy?

The United States, Turkey, and Australia.

Which South American country is the world's largest exporter of coffee?

Brazil.

Which three countries have legalized coca farming, and how is it used locally?

Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia; coca is popular among the working class in Bolivia and Peru as a legal stimulant and appetite suppressant.

Which nation is described as one of the poorest and least developed in South America?

Bolivia.

What distinguishes the Andes Mountains globally, and how high do their peaks reach?

The Andes are the world's longest mountain chain, with peaks rising more than $20{,}000\text{ feet}$.

How did the Andes cordilleras influence the cultural settlement of indigenous groups?

They established natural barriers that resulted in the development of isolated groups.

Which two inland grasslands provide fertile soil and plains for grazing cattle in South America?

The llanos and the pampas.

What is the highest elevation considered possible for human survival without an oxygen supply?

$29{,}527\text{ feet}$.

What are the dimensions and status of the Amazon River within South America?

It flows $4{,}000\text{ miles}$ through the heart of South America and is its longest river.

Which three rivers drain the rainy eastern half of South America?

The Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay Rivers.

What are the two largest lakes in South America?

Lake Maracaibo and Lake Titicaca.

What is the Pantanal?

One of the world's largest tropical wetlands.

Why does the southeastern coast of Argentina have an arid climate?

Because of prevailing winds and the rain shadow effect of the Andes.

How does the El Niño phenomenon affect the coastal climate of South America?

It creates unusually warm ocean currents that can have negative effects on coastal weather, fishing, and agriculture.

How much of South America is covered by the Amazon rain forest?

It covers one third ($\frac{1}{3}$) of South America.

According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy (June 2009), what share of Latin America's oil reserves is held by Venezuela?

$74\%$ of Latin America's oil reserves.

Which countries in South America are leading sources for copper, emeralds, and silver respectively?

Chile is the world's largest exporter of copper, Colombia contains major emerald mines, and Peru is known for silver.

How did global rain forest cover change from 1950 to the modern day?

Rain forests covered $14\%$ of Earth's land in 1950, compared to only about $7\%$ today.

How much of the Amazon rain forest has been destroyed by deforestation?

Almost $20\%$ has been destroyed, threatening nearly half of all animal and plant species on Earth.

What four vertical climate zones characterize the Andes mountain region?

Tierra templada, tierra fría, tierra helada, and puna.