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Chapter Introduction

Section 1 The Land

Section 2 Climate and Vegetation

Chapter Summary & Study Guide

Chapter Assessment

Click on a hyperlink to view the corresponding slides.Click on a hyperlink to view the corresponding slides.

Chapter Objectives• Describe the dominant landforms and

natural resources of Latin America.

• Discuss Latin America’s climate and vegetation.

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As you read this chapter, use your journal to describe the geographic features of Latin America. Choose strong, vivid terms to capture the beauty, grandeur, and economic importance of the physical features of the region.

The Land

• Explain how geographers divide the large region known as Latin America.

• Identify the factors that have shaped the formation of Latin America’s 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.

Objectives


• altiplano • escarpment • llano • pampa

Terms to Know• gaucho • hydroelectric

power • estuary

• cordillera

The Land



• Middle America • Central America • West Indies • South America • Sierra Madre • Andes

• Mexican Plateau • Patagonia • Mato Grosso

Plateau • Rio Grande • Río de la Plata

• Amazon River

Places to LocateThe Land

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

A Vast Region• Latin 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.


(pages 193–194)(pages 193–194)

Why 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 193–194)(pages 193–194)

Mountains and PlateausLatin America’s rugged landscape is the result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where plates of the earth’s crust have collided for millions of years, causing earthquakes and creating mountains and volcanoes.

(pages 194–196)(pages 194–196)

• Mountains of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Mexico’s 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.)


(pages 194–196)(pages 194–196)

• Andes of South America The Andes mountain ranges run along the western edge of South America and are the world’s 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.



(pages 194–196)(pages 194–196)

• Highlands of Brazil Much of Brazil consists of broad plateaus, such as the Mata Grosso Plateau and the Brazilian Highlands.


(pages 194–196)(pages 194–196)

What advantages and disadvantages does Latin America’s 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.




(pages 194–196)(pages 194–196)

• Narrow coastal lowlands hem the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America.

Lowlands and Plains

(pages 196–197)(pages 196–197)



(pages 196–197)(pages 196–197)

Lowlands and Plains (cont.)

• Inland areas of South America hold vast grasslands that provide wide grazing for beef cattle.

(pages 196–197)(pages 196–197)



(pages 196–197)(pages 196–197)



What economic activities might Latin America’s 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.




(pages 196–197)(pages 196–197)

• Rivers 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 world’s highest navigable lake.

Water Systems


(pages 197–198)(pages 197–198)

Why 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.)



(pages 197–198)(pages 197–198)

• Latin America’s 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 Resources


(page 198)(page 198)

• Venezuela’s Orinoco River area contains 11 percent of the world’s gold.

• Brazil is also rich in gold, and Peru and Mexico are known for their silver deposits.

• Chile is the world’s 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.)



What 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.)




Checking 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. cordillera

B. altiplano

C. escarpment

D. llano

E. pampa

F. gaucho

G. hydroelectric power

H. estuary

Define Match each definition in the left column with the appropriate term in the right column.

F

C

A

H

B

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__ 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

G

E

D




A. cordillera

B. altiplano

C. escarpment

D. llano

E. pampa

F. gaucho

G. hydroelectric power

H. estuary

Critical Thinking

Identifying 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.



Drawing 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.



Critical Thinking

Making 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.



Critical Thinking

Analyzing Maps

Region 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.



Applying Geography

Effects of Landforms Think about the physical features of South America. Write a descriptive paragraph explaining how landforms affect the course of South America’s water systems.

Close

Read “A Geographic View” on page 193 of your textbook. Write a similar descriptive paragraph about a landform or region of Latin America that interests you.

Climate and Vegetation

• List the climate regions that are represented in Latin America.

• Describe how Latin America’s location and landforms affect climates even within particular regions.

• Discuss how the natural vegetation and agriculture of Latin America are influenced by climatic factors.

Objectives


• Amazon Basin

Places to Locate

• Colombia • Venezuela

• Argentina • Uruguay • Atacama Desert

Climate and Vegetation


• canopy

• tierra caliente

Terms to Know• tierra templada • tierra fría

The 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.

Climate 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.


(pages 199–202)(pages 199–202)

• The Rain Forest The Amazon Basin, with the earth’s 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.)


(pages 199–202)(pages 199–202)

• The 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.


(pages 199–202)(pages 199–202)

• Desert 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 199–202)(pages 199–202)


(pages 199–202)(pages 199–202)




What 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.




(pages 199–202)(pages 199–202)

Elevation and Climate• The 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.


(pages 202–203)(pages 202–203)

• The 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 fría, frosts are common in the winter months. Potatoes and barley grow at these elevations.

Elevation and Climate (cont.)


(pages 202–203)(pages 202–203)

Why 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.)



(pages 202–203)(pages 202–203)


__ 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 climates

A. canopy

B. tierra caliente

C. tierra templada

D. tierra fría


D

B

A

C



Critical Thinking

Making 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.



Determining Cause and Effect How does elevation affect climate and vegetation in Latin America?



Critical Thinking

Possible answer: Higher elevations have cooler temperatures and less varied vegetation.

Comparing and Contrasting Compare the pampas to your region. How do the climate and vegetation help define the economic activities in each place?

Critical Thinking

Analyzing Maps

Place 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.



Effects of Climate Write a paragraph describing the effects of climate on economic activities in a particular Latin American country. Then map the locations of these activities.

Applying Geography

Write a postcard to a friend or family member describing the climate and vegetation they might see during a visit to a Latin American country.

Close

Section 1: The Land (pages 193–198)

• Latin America includes Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America.

• Latin America’s 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 Points


Section 2: Climate and Vegetation (pages 199–203)

• 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.


Key Points



Reviewing Key TermsInsert the key term that best completes each of the following sentences.

cordilleras altiplano escarpmentllanos pampasgauchoestuary canopy tierra calientetierra templadatierra fría hydroelectric power

1. 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 ___________________.

cordilleras

altiplano

escarpment



4. Cattle are raised on the broad grasslands called ___________________ in Colombia and Venezuela and ___________________ in Argentina and Uruguay.

5. The Río de la Plata is typical of an ___________________, an area where the tide meets a river current.

Reviewing Key Terms


llanospampas

estuary

Insert the key term that best completes each of the following sentences.



6. Highlands climates are divided into vertical zones, including the hot ___________________, the temperate ___________________, and the cold ___________________.

Reviewing Key Terms


tierra calientetierra templada

tierra fría

Insert the key term that best completes each of the following sentences.



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



What three island groups make up the West Indies?

The Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles make up the West Indies.




Which three rivers flow into the Río de la Plata?

The Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay Rivers flow into the Río de la Plata.




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



What factors determine why Latin America’s highlands climate is divided into three zones?

Elevation and latitude are the factors that determine the three climate zones.




Where is the world’s largest rain forest located?

The world’s largest rain forest is located in the Amazon Basin.




What are South America’s two main grassland areas called?

South America’s two main grassland areas are called llanos and pampas.




Critical Thinking

Making 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.



Critical Thinking

Analyzing 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.



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. Río de la Plata__7. Gulf of Mexico__8. Pampas__9. Caribbean Sea__10. Orinoco River__11. Mexican Plateau

DICEHKGFJAB



Which Latin American country supplies 25 percent of the world’s coffee?

Brazil supplies 25 percent of the world’s coffee.

Explore online information about the topics introduced in this chapter.

Click on the Connect button to launch your browser and go to the Glencoe World Geography Web site. At this site, you will find interactive activities, current events information, and Web sites correlated with the chapters and units in the textbook. When you finish exploring, exit the browser program to return to this presentation. If you experience difficulty connecting to the Web site, manually launch your Web browser and go to http://geography.glencoe.com

Use the climograph below and your knowledge of geography to answer the question on the following slide.

1. Based on the information shown in the climograph, which statement about the months of April and November is accurate?

A. The average temperature and amount of rainfall are about the same.

B. It is hotter and drier in November.

C. The average temperature is about the same, but it is wetter in

November.

D. The amount of rainfall is about the same, but it is hotter in

November.



Test-Taking Tip Study the information shown on the climograph for average temperature and monthly precipitation. Then look carefully at the data for the months of April and November. Compare the amount of precipitation for the two months. As a result, you will be able to eliminate some of the statements.

Many nonvolcanic Caribbean islands are partially or completely composed of coral, the hard outer skeletons of tiny marine animals. The world’s second-longest coral reef–a 75-mile (121km) stretch popular with tourists and ecologists–lies off the coast of Belize in Central America.

Biology There are many distinct varieties of ants in the Amazon rain forest. One variety, army ants, of which there are about 200 species, does not build permanent nests. Millions of them travel together in columns at speeds of up to 65 feet (20 m) per hour. A swarm can destroy crops as well as small animals.

Identifying cause-and-effect relationships involves considering how and why an event occurred. A cause is the action or situation that leads to the event. An effect is the result or consequence of an action or situation.

Identifying Cause-and-Effect Relationships

Learning the SkillCause-and-effect relationships may be simple or complex. Several causes can produce a single effect. For example, a forest fire may be caused by a series of events or conditions. Hot weather and lack of rain make grass and wood dry and flammable. The day the fire started might have been windy, and the wind might have blown sparks from a camper’s fire into some dry grass.


Similarly, one event can produce several effects. A large forest fire can destroy animal habitats. It can also suddenly reduce plant cover, making the land more susceptible to erosion from wind and rain. A large fire can also be expensive to fight and damaging to homes and businesses, harming the economy of an entire region.

Learning the Skill


Sometimes one event causes several other events in a chain reaction. A traffic accident on a highway may cause another accident, which causes another accident, and so on. Strings of causal relationships are called cause-and-effect chains.


Follow these steps to identify cause-and-effect relationships:

• Ask questions about why events occur. • Identify the outcomes of events. • Look for clues that indicate a cause-and-effect

relationship. Words and phrases such as because, as a result of, brought about, as a consequence, therefore, and thus can help you identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Learning the Skill



Practicing the SkillIdentify one cause and one effect associated with each of the events or conditions listed below.

1. The 1999 earthquake in Colombia

2. The formation of several Caribbean islands

cause: location along the Ring of Fire makes region prone to earthquakes

effect: many people left homeless

cause: islands part of a chain of volcanic mountainseffect: some islands have active volcanoes that can harm inhabitants

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display possible answers.



3. Limited access to the rich mineral resources of the Amazon Basin

4. Cold temperatures in the tierra fría

cause: rain-drenched land is inaccessible for months each yeareffect: slows economic development of the region

cause: high elevationeffect: frosts common during winter months

Practicing the SkillIdentify one cause and one effect associated with each of the events or conditions listed below.




Maps

Physical-Political

Climate Regions

Natural Vegetation

Charts

Comparing Climate Regions: Argentina and the United States

Mexico: Vertical Climate Zones

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Quito; temperatures get colder with increased altitude

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