The Physical Geography of Latin America: Quiz (Answer) B D
I. Critical Writing Latin American has been called a land of extremes. Do you agree or disagree? Write 3 paragraph or more telling why. Begin with the following Sentences: “Many people have called Latin America a land of extremes I believe that ……..” Support your opinion with examples
II. Climate and Vegetation: Latin America Directions: Answer the Following questions in your Geo Book Page 38. Describe two climates in Latin America. Then explain how climate affects the vegetation that grows in those regions. How do Latin America’s climate and vegetation affect how and where the people live? In what ways would the life of a family living on a Caribbean island be different from a family living high in the Andes?
Map Study The Equator passes through the country of Ecuador Map Study The Equator passes through the country of Ecuador. Which was named for it. Countries south of the Equator have seasons that are the reverse of seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Regions When it is winter in the United States. what season is it in Paraguay? What is the climate in most parts of Paraguay? In what other South American countries would you find this climate region?
Diagram Study If you climb high enough on a mountain. you will reach a place where the temperature never warms up. This chart shows how the temperature near the Equator can vary with elevation. Critical Thinking Based on this chart. above what elevation will snow not melt?
Map Study Much of Latin America is forested Map Study Much of Latin America is forested. but some areas are grassland or desert. Regions Compare this map with the climate map. How is vegetation affected by climate!
Individual Geography Project M3 Thailand Geographical Characters Chile Physical Features Climate Vegetation Natural Resources Economic Activity Environmental Issues (El Niño) Government Education (How many students are in / out of school? Religion
Latin America: Climate and Vegetation 1. Which of the following statements is true? a) All of the Caribbean has the same climate. b) The climate in the Caribbean is usually dry and windy. c) It rains a lot in the Atacama Desert. d) Many parts of Latin America have a tropical wet climate.
2. To grow at higher elevations, a) plants must be able to withstand warmer temperatures. b) plants must be able to withstand cooler c) plants must be able to withstand regular rainfall. d) plants must be able to withstand a lack of wind.
Answer Key d. b.
1. In what part of Mexico do most Mexicans live 1. In what part of Mexico do most Mexicans live? What is this part of Mexico like?
On the central plateau. That part of Mexico is a raised area of level land surrounded by mountains.
2. What makes travel to and from this area difficult?
The surrounding mountains make travel difficult.
3. What is the mayor mountain range in South America?
The Andes Mountains
Latin America: Climate and Vegetation 4. Describe two effects this mountain range has on climate, the vegetation or the people?
The high elevation causes some parts of South America to have a cold climate, only vegetation that can withstand cooler or cold temperatures can survive. The Andes are difficult for people to cross, but many people farm there.
5. What is el Niño?
A warming of the ocean along the western coast of South America that occurs every few years and influences global weather patterns.
6. What are some of El Niño effects on land and sea?
El Niño drives cold-water fish away, causes heavy rain in dry areas, floods in low-lying areas and drought.
7. How can El Niño affect the economy of Latin America?
Commercial fisherman cannot work, property is destroyed through flooding, and tourism declines...
Latin America: Climate and Vegetation 1. How does elevation affect climate?
The higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature
2. How are the different vegetation regions in Latin America shaped by their climates?
Hot, wet, tropical regions give rise to rain forests Hot, wet, tropical regions give rise to rain forests. Arid regions are usually deserts with little vegetation
3. How do climate and vegetation affect how people live and work?
People's job often depend on climate and vegetation: For example, farmers can only raise crops that tolerate the climate.
Climate Zones: Latin America There are three factors that can affect a highland climate besides elevation, which is NOT one of those factors? a. Wind b. Sunlight c. Landscape d. Ocean Currents
Climate zones: Latin America What types of landforms make it difficult for human settlement? a. Deserts b. Rainforests c. High mountains d. All of the above
Latin America: Natural Resources What are the major resources of Middle America? Which resources help produce power? What happens when too much of one resource is produced worldwide? What is a one-resource economy? Describe how one Latin American country is diversifying its economy. Why is it important for countries to diversify their economies?
Possible Answer Key Minerals, oil, natural gas, trees, rich soil for farming, and abundant waters that produce electricity and contain fish and shell fish. The rushing waters of rivers are harnessed to produce hydroelectric power. The prices of the resource fall sharply and economies that depend solely on that resource go into crisis.
4. One that depends largely on one resource or crop. 5 4. One that depends largely on one resource or crop. 5. Venezuela is creating more factories and farms and improving its mines. Brazil is exporting machinery, steel, and chemicals. El Salvador and Trinidad are encouraging farmers to diversify their crop production. 6. One-resource economies are vulnerable to outside factors that can leave the country with few or no sources of income.
Latin America: Environmental Issues