Geography Semester and Science 2nd Quarter Exam Study Guides

                                             1st Semester Geography Exam Study Guide (Chapters 1-10)

 1. Geographers utilize two types of location as reference points.
 2. Maps are excellent at showing statistical data in bulk. 
3. Geography can be used to decide where new businesses and schools should be built. 
4. This LINE divides the earth into two hemispheres. 
5. The connection between people and their environment, or human-environment interaction. 
6 . Land makes up only a third of the Earth’s surface.
7. Surface phenomena wear away the Earth’s surface through erosion. 
8. Water stays in a cycle and moves about, but stays fairly constant. 
9. There are four major types of landforms: mountains, hills, plateaus, and plains. 
10. The Marianas Trench is the deepest known depression on the Earth. 
11. The four terrestrial planets are Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury. 
12. Times when ice sheets have covered large areas of the Earth are called Ice Ages. 
13. The Vernal Equinox is in March and the Autumnal Equinox is in September. 
14. Different areas of the Earth’s surface receive light due to the tilt of the axis. 
15. The tilt of the Earth’s axis and the revolution around the Sun causes four seasons. 
16. Renewable resources can be renewed or replaced. 
17. Negative population growth occurs when the death rate is higher than the birth rate. 
18. The Information Revolution occurred starting in the late 1900’s. 
19. When imported goods are taxed, it is known as a tariff. 
20. The Earth’s resources are unevenly distributed, and this causes trade among the nations. 
21. Wars, trade, and migration can make significant changes in a culture.
 22. The Appalachian Mountains run from Georgia to Maine. 
23. Since it is so cold most of the time in a Tundra Climate, few things grow there. 
24. Mountain ranges hold the largest deposits of mineral wealth.
 25. US and Canadian populations keep growing, in part, because immigration.
 26. Glaciers carved huge basins in the bedrock of the Canadian Shield which filled with melt-water. 
27. At its founding, Canada was a dominion of the British Empire. 
28. During the Revolutionary War, those loyal to Britain often moved to Canada. 
29. The Underground Railroad was the name given to a network of trails and safe houses for slaves.
30. In Quebec, French is the official language and some favor independence from Canada. 
31. “High-tech” Industries have been favored in the American economy for the past thirty years. 
32. Advanced farming techniques and technologies have mitigated influences of climate/geography. 
33. A “Free Market” economy lets people profit from their own labors. 
34. The number of farmers has decreased, but the size of farms has expanded immensely.
 35. In “Market” economies, manufacturers decided how much to charge for their products.
 36. The Andes Mountains run nearly the entire length of the western coast of South America 
37. Latin America includes Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
 38. An estuary is the meeting place of a river current and a tidal current. 
39. The rolling hills and grasslands of southern South America is called Patagonia.
 40. The longest river in the Western Hemisphere is the Amazon. 
41. Conquistadors from Spain explored and claimed vast areas of the Americas for their country. 
42. Syncretism is the practice of blending customs and beliefs of different cultures.
 43. Before 1492, the Americas had at least three indigenous empires: Inca, Aztec, and Maya.
 44. Venezuela’s revolt against Spanish rule was successfully led by Simon Bolivar. 
45. Chocolate (Chocalatl) was, the” food of the gods” according to Aztec legend and belief. 
46. In Mexico, maquiladoras employ low-cost labor to foreign corporations, causing job loss at home. 
47. In Latin America, people come to cities to find work and are often forced to live in shantytowns.
 48. NAFTA, the end of manufacturing growth in the US, reduced trade restrictions between the US, Mexico, and Canada. 49. Latin American countries rely on capital ($) from foreign countries to grow their industries and infrastructure. 
50. In Mexico City, the air quality can be so bad, that children are kept indoors. 


                                             2nd Quarter Science Study Guide

 Atom’s mass is all the protons + all the neutrons inside the nucleus. Protons are positively charged particles found inside the atomic nucleus. The single charge of a proton is shown as +1 or 1+ Neutrons are particles without any charge found inside the atomic nucleus. There are usually as many neutrons as there are protons inside the nucleus, but there could also be more neutrons than protons (if there are more neutrons the atom is called an isotope). Electrons are negatively charged particles that surround the atom's nucleus. Single charge of electron shows as -1 or 1- Electrons determine properties of the atom.
That means that electrons are responsible for the type of molecules atoms can make. Chemical reactions (atoms combining into molecules) involve sharing or exchanging electrons between two or more atoms. Electron Cloud Electrons move very quickly around the nucleus and it is impossible to figure out exactly where they are located. Thus, we say that they are located in the electron cloud or a place around the nucleus where an electron could possibly be orbiting. Atomic Number Every element has a different number of protons inside the nucleus. The number of protons is called the atomic number of the atom. For example; Hydrogen has 1 proton so it’s atomic number is 1. Carbon has 6 protons so it’s atomic number is 6. If you change the number of protons, you change the atomic number, then the atom will become totally different atom because atomic number is what identifies the atom.
For example; If you add another proton to hydrogen it will no longer be hydrogen. Atoms combine to form molecules that form matter. Elements - molecules made when like atoms combine to form matter. Compounds - molecules made when different atoms combine to form matter (another way to put it-when elements combine). Pure substances are made of elements or compounds and have definite physical and chemical properties. Element Classification The elements are classified as; Metals-on the left hand side of table (left of zig-zag line), except for hydrogen. Metals are malleable so you could reshape them, ductile so you can make them into a wire. They are shiny and conduct heat and electricity. Most are solid at room temperature. Non-metals are on the right. They may be solids, liquids or gases. They are not shiny, but brittle so they fall apart in your hands. They do not conduct heat or electricity.
 Metalloids act like metals and non-metals and are ON the zig zag line, except for aluminum Properties of Matter (way to describe matter) & change of matter Physical properties – observable characteristics of matter such as; mass and weight, volume, density, conductivity and ductility. Physical change - the substances does not loose it’s identity just the way it looks or smells or feels, etc. gold is still gold if you molded into a ring Chemical property – can the substance react to other substances chemically. Chemical change - occurs when two or more substances react and change to a new substance.
 Bonds between atoms are broken or new bonds between atoms are made. Example; iron + carbon = steel. Identity is changed because it’s no longer iron or carbon. A new substance is made. Usual indicators of chemical change are; 1. Color change 2. Production of heat 3. Sound or light like fizzing or foaming The Law of Conservation of Mass: Mass cannot be created or destroyed in an ordinary physical or chemical changes. Example; when you eat a cookie, the mass of that cookie does not get destroyed. Your body changes it into carbon dioxide and water and the mass of that gas and water together equal to the mass of the cookie.
 Matter can change state from solid to liquid to gas when energy is increased & gas to liquid to solid when energy is decreased. Solid – particles are closed together and arranged in an orderly pattern, very little energy. Have a fixed volume and shape. Liquid – particles are more spaced out and have slightly more energy than particles in a solid. Liquids have a fixed volume, but the shape changes. Gas – particles are all over the place and have a lot of energy. The shape and volume of gases change. Matter – everything in the universe that is made of atoms, has mass and takes up space. Mass – the amount of matter in an object. Measured on a balance scale, usually using grams as units of measure. One could lose mass when exercising and dieting or gain mass when gaining fat or muscle. Weight – the amount of force gravity uses to pull on objects.
 Force is measured by a spring scale in Newton (named after Sir Isaac Newton who came up with the concept of gravity). One could lose or gain weight when one travels to another planet where the gravity is different. Being in water makes you weight less. Being in zero gravity makes you weight nothing. Volume – the amount of space on object occupies. Two methods of measuring volume; If the object has a regular shape, we measure the dimensions using a ruler and use a formula; volume=length*width*height. The answer is given in cm3.
If the object has a irregular shape and the dimensions cannot be measured, we use the water displacement method. We pour a given amount of water into a beaker or a graduated cylinder. When you drop the object in the water, the water level will rise. Subtract the original amount of water form the amount of water with the object in it and that will tell you the volume of just the object. The answer is given in milliliters (mL). 1 cm3 = 1 mL Density- ratio of mass to volume. How much matter is packed into an object of a specific volume. Formula is; Density = Mass/Volume. Answer is given in g/cm3 or g/mL.

Chapter 10 Latin America Today Study Guide for Apollo Team

Chapter 10 Study Guide for Apollo

Chapter 10

Living in Latin America

This section focuses on the economic activities of Latin America.

Chapter 10, Section 1

Terms to Know

export To sell to other countries (page 237)

campesino A rural farm worker (page 238)

latifundia A large agricultural estate (page 238)

 minifundia A small plot of land intensively farmed by campesinos (page 238)

cash crop A crop produced in large quantities to be sold or traded (page 238)

developing country A country that is working toward greater use of manufacturing and technology (page 238)

service industry An industry that provides services rather than goods (page 238)

maquiladora A foreign-owned factory in Mexico (page 239)

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) An agreement among the United States, Canada, and Mexico that reduces trade restrictions among those countries (page 240)

Introduction (page 237) In many Latin American cities great divisions separate the wealthy and the

poor. They are caused by social, political, and economic factors and by the physical geography of the region.

Agriculture (page 237) Latin American countries export, or sell to other countries, much of their

farm products. For centuries farmland has been distributed among a small group of wealthy landowners and a larger group of farm workers called campesinos.

There are two kinds of farms in Latin America:

A. Latifundia are large agricultural estates owned by wealthy families and businesses. These estates use machines and the inexpensive labor of workers to produce large amounts of agricultural goods.

B. Minifundia are small areas of land farmed by campesinos to feed their families. The land is usually owned by a proprietor or the government, while the campesinos provide the labor.

This farm system is gradually changing. Some farm workers are leaving farming for jobs in cities. Some governments are passing laws to distribute the land more fairly. Most campesinos remain poor.

Latin America’s physical geography makes it suitable for growing cash crops, or crops produced in large quantities to be sold or traded.

A.  Coffee grows in the highland areas with fertile soil. Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and El Salvador are the world’s leading coffee producers.

B.  Bananas grow in the lush, tropical coastal areas of Central America, Cuba, Jamaica, Ecuador, and Brazil. Most of the world’s bananas come from these areas.

C.  Sugarcane grows in the tropical climates and fertile soil of Brazil and Cuba. These two countries are world leaders in sugarcane production.

Industry (page 238) Most Latin American countries are considered to be developing countries. They are working toward greater use of manufacturing and technology. Service industries such as banks provide services rather than goods. They have been growing in many countries of the region.

The growth of industries in Latin America has been slowed by several factors. Physical geography, such as the Andes and the dense rain forests, makes it difficult to get to natural resources. Foreign companies have drained off local resources and profits. Political instability stops investors from putting too much money into industries in Latin America. American and Japanese firms have built maquiladoras, or foreign-owned factories, along the United States-Mexican border. People against maquiladoras complain that the companies keep workers in low-paying and dangerous jobs and do not follow laws to protect the environment.

Trade and Interdependence (page 240) Latin America depends on foreign trade to get the goods it cannot produce. In 1994 Mexico, the United States, and Canada signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement has increased the flow of goods, services, and people among the three countries. NAFTA has helped increase Mexico’s exports and has provided thou- sands of new jobs.

Many Latin American countries have large foreign debts. These debts keep some countries from financing industrial development.

Transportation (page 240) Building roads and railroads in Latin America has been difficult and slow.

Many governments lack the money for building projects. The rugged mountains, dense rain forests, and deserts are other barriers to building roads and railroads. The region’s major road system is the Pan-American Highway. This road runs from northern Mexico to southern Chile, linking more than a dozen Latin American capitals. Important water systems in the region include the Amazon River, the Parana-Paraguay, and the Panama Canal. All major cities in the region have airports.

Communications (page 241) The major sources of information in the region are newspapers, radio, and

television.  Governments may sometimes censor information. Few people have telephones in their homes. In larger cities, many people use cellular phones. Computers are too expensive for most Latin Americans, but some cities have public Internet centers.

People and Their Environment

In the last section, you read about the economy of Latin America. This section focuses on the challenges facing Latin America.

Chapter 10, Section 2

Terms to Know

sustainable development Technological and economic growth that does not deplete the human and natural resources of a given area (page 242)

deforestation The clearing or destruction of forests (page 242)

slash-and-burn Farming methods using cutting and burning of trees to enrich soil (page 244)

reforestation The planting of trees on land that has been stripped (page 244)

shantytown A makeshift community on the edge of a city (page 244)

Challenges

Introduction (page 242) Latin American countries must choose between preserving large areas of wilderness or developing those areas to raise the standard of living. One solution is to work toward sustainable development, technological and economic growth that does not use up the area’s resources.

1.  How can Latin America raise the standard of living without using up its resources?

Managing Rain Forests (page 242) Deforestation—the clearing or destruction of forests—has destroyed more than 13 percent of the Amazon rain forest.

There are two reasons why the destruction of the rain forests can affect the world:

A.  Several plant and animal species on Earth are threatened. Many of the world’s medicines and potential medicines come from rain forest plants and organisms.

B.  Since plants use carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, the destruction of rain forest plants can result in less carbon dioxide being used and more of it staying in the atmosphere. Since carbon dioxide is a green- house gas that helps hold heat, global warming, climate change, and rising ocean levels may result.

One of the most common reasons for deforestation is slash-and-burn farming. This involves clearing portions of the rain forest by cutting down plants and trees, drying them out, and then burning them. The ashes are used to make the soil more fertile. Frequent flooding of the region, how- ever, causes the fertile soil to wash away. Farmers then move to new parts of the forest and repeat the process. Ranchers use the same process to create grazing land for their cattle.

Reforestation, or the planting of young trees on the land that has been stripped, is a possible solution to the problem. Developing new methods of farming, mining, and logging, along with conservation, can protect the forests and help the economy.

Urban Environments (page 244) Latin America faces environmental challenges from rapid urbanization.

This happens when a city’s rate of population growth is greater than the available resources for housing, sanitation, education and government services. Many people cannot find jobs or housing when they move to the city. They often end up living in shantytowns, or makeshift communities on the edge of cities. Shantytowns lack running water and underground sewage systems, so disease can spread rapidly. Many people develop malnutrition from lack of food. Air pollution is common, because there are few clean air laws.

Latin American governments and international agencies are working to help solve the problems of rapid urbanization.

Regional and International Issues (page 245) Latin America faces many regional and international challenges:

A.  Border disputes have erupted over the rights to natural resources. Money that could be used for development instead has been used in border wars.

B.  Migration continues to strain the resources of cities.

C.  Out-migration from Latin America to the United States poses a problem. Many Latin Americans who leave the region are well-educated or skilled workers who could help solve the region’s problems.

D.  Industrial growth and the use of agricultural chemicals has greatly increased water and air pollution.

E.  The physical geography of the region makes it vulnerable to natural disasters.

Chapter 9 Cultural Geography of Latin America Study Guide for Apollo Students

Chapter 9 Study Guide for Apollo

Chapter 9, Section 1

Terms to Know

indigenous - Descended from an area’s first inhabitants (page 212)

dialect - A form of a language unique to a particular place (page 213)

patois - Dialects that blend elements of indigenous, European, African, and Asian languages (page 213)

urbanization - The movement of people from rural areas into cities (page 216)

mega-city - A city with more than 10 million people (page 217)

primate city - An urban area that dominates its country’s economy, culture, and political affairs (page 217)

Latin America has many ethnic groups. The physical geography of Latin America has shaped the patterns of human migration. The population of Latin America is diverse. The ethnic groups include Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, and a blending or mixture of these groups. Native Americans today are known as an indigenous group, or people descended from the first inhabitants of an area. Most early European settlers were Spanish and Portuguese. Africans first came to Latin America in the 1500s as enslaved people to work the plantations. Slavery ended in the region by the late 1800s.

Most people in Latin America speak the language of the European country that colonized the region. Spanish is the official language of most Latin American countries. Portuguese is the language of Brazil; French is spoken in Haiti and Martinique; and English is the language of Jamaica and Guyana. Indigenous peoples speak Native American languages.

Most people in each country do not speak the official form of their language. Instead they speak a form of the language that is unique to their area known as a dialect. Some dialects, or patois, blend elements of European, indigenous, African, and Asian languages.

Where Latin Americans Live (page 213) Latin America has a high rate of population growth. Population is expected to grow to about 800 million by 2050. Temperature extremes, dense rain forests, mountains, and deserts limit where people can live. Most Latin Americans live along the coasts of Central and South America and on Caribbean islands. There the climate is mild, the land is fertile, and transportation is accessible.

The population density of countries in Latin America varies. South American countries have large land areas and low population densities. Caribbean countries tend to have small land areas, large populations, and high birth rates. The Caribbean island country of Barbados has the highest population density in the region with 1,620 people per square mile.

Mexico has an average overall population density, but Mexico City has a population density of 42,000 people per square mile (16,216 people for sq. km).

Migration (page 215) A major force in shaping Latin American population patterns is migration.

There are three types of migration happening in Latin America.

A.  An inflow of migrants from foreign countries comes seeking economic and political opportunities.

B.  An outflow of Latin Americans goes to different parts of the world in search of better living conditions or political freedom. Many move north to the United States. Some enter legally and others enter illegally.

C.  Internal migration within a country or within Latin America moves migrants from rural areas to urban areas for jobs. The result is rapid urbanization, or a change from a rural society to an urban society.

Growth of Cities (page 217) Many cities in Latin America have become megacities because they have grown in area by taking in smaller surrounding cities and suburbs. The region’s largest megacity is Mexico City. Because of its size and influence, Mexico City is also known as a primate city—an urban area that dominates its country’s economy, culture, and political affairs. Other primate cities in the region include Caracas, Venezuela; Montevideo, Uruguay; Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Havana, Cuba.

Most Latin Americans leaving rural areas migrate to primate cities to find a better life. However, rapid population growth in the cities makes jobs and housing scarce. Schools and health care centers have more people than they can serve.

What Native American groups lived in what is now the United States? What contributions did they make to the history of the United States? Native American groups were important to the history of Latin America.

Chapter 9, Section 2

Terms to Know

glyph - A picture writing carved in stone (page 221)

chinampas - Floating “islands” made from large rafts covered with mud (page 221)

quipu - A series of knotted cords of various colors and lengths, each knot representing a different item or number (page 222)

conquistador - A person who conquers (page 222)

viceroy - An official appointed by the Spanish royalty to rule a colony (page 222)

caudillo - An absolute dictator (page 224)

Spanish conquistadors wanted the riches and land of Latin America.

Large numbers of Native Americans working on plantations died from disease and hardship.

Many Latin Americans were unhappy with European rule.

Introduction (page 220) Latin Americans face challenges today that began in the past. Some issues involve ancient Native American civilizations, European colonial rule, and struggles for independence.

Native American Empires (page 220) Three Native American empires left lasting marks on Latin America’s peoples and cultures:

A. The Maya lived in southern Mexico and northern Central America from about A.D. 250 to A.D. 900.They built cities ruled by priests and nobles. Their economy was based on agriculture and trade. The Maya were skilled in math and astronomy. They developed an accurate calendar. They used glyphs, or picture writing carved in stone, to record their history.

B.  The Aztec lived in central Mexico in the A.D. 1300s.They built the city of Tenochtitlán at present-day Mexico City. Aztec farmers grew beans and maize (corn) on chinampas—floating islands made from large rafts covered with mud from the lake bottom. The Aztec had a class system headed by the emperor and military officials. Next were priests who performed rituals to gain favor with the gods and to guarantee good harvests. Most Aztec—farmers, laborers, and soldiers—were at the bottom of society.

C.  The Inca lived in the Andes mountain ranges of South America during the time of the Aztec. At its height, the Inca empire stretched from present-day Ecuador to central Chile.  They had a central government ruled by an emperor. The Inca built temples and a network of roads that crossed the mountains and forests. Inca farmers built irrigation systems and cut terraces to stop the soil from washing away. They had no written language. They used oral history to pass knowledge. To keep track of financial records, the Inca used a quipu—a series of knotted cords of various colors and lengths.

Empires to Nations (page 222) Starting with the voyages of Christopher Columbus from 1492 to 1504,

Europeans explored and colonized the Americas. Spain and Portugal ruled vast territories from Mexico to southern South America. Great Britain, France, and the Netherlands later set up colonies in the Caribbean and in northern South America.

Spanish conquistadors, or conquerors, defeated the Aztec and the Inca for their riches and land. These conquests began Spain’s empire in Latin America. Spanish colonies set up political systems ruled by royally appointed viceroys. Missionaries from Europe set up schools and hospitals.

The colonies in the Americas made the European home countries wealthy. The Europeans mined gold and silver, used trees, and set up trade centers. They set up plantations for growing cash crops and ranches for raising cattle. Native Americans were forced to work on the plantations and ranches. Many Native Americans died from disease and hardship, so enslaved Africans were imported to work on the plantations and ranches. A blend of European, Native American, and African culture emerged in the region.

In the late 1700s, many Latin Americans joined together to fight for independence from European colonial rule. In 1804 Haiti was the first Latin American country to gain its independence. By the mid-1800s most countries of Latin America had gained their independence. Today, some islands remain under foreign rule. For example, Puerto Rico and some of the Virgin Islands are territories of the United States.

Dictatorships (page 224) After gaining independence, many Latin American countries became economically and politically unstable. During the 1800s some leaders wanted democracy. But the Aztec and European class structures gave power to wealthy landowners, army officers, and clergy. When revolts occurred, governments set aside constitutions and used the military to keep order. Caudillos, or dictators, became absolute rulers.

Movements for Change (page 224) During the 1900s, the influence of the United States increased in Latin America. Industries were established, railroads were built, and trade expanded. This brought more wealth to the upper classes, but the gap between rich and poor widened. Farmers and workers revolted. The dicta- tors or military governments crushed the revolts. In Cuba, a revolution in 1959 set up a communist state.

During the 1990s communism remained in Cuba, but in many countries dictatorships ended and democracies were set up. Today, Latin American countries are working toward fairness in politics and bringing economic benefits to all citizens. Native Americans, farmers, and workers are demanding increased political power and economic benefits.

What people make up the household in which you live? Did you know that in Latin America it is common to live with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents?

In the last section, you read about the history and governments of Latin America. This section focuses on the cultures and lifestyles of Latin Americans.

Chapter 9, Section 3

Terms to Know

syncretism - A blending of beliefs and practices from different religions into a single faith (page 228) 

mural - A wall painting (page 228)

mosaic - A picture or design made by setting small bits of colored stone, tile, or shell into cement (page 228)

extended family - A household made up of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as parents and children (page 229) 

malnutrition - A serious condition caused by a lack of proper food (page 230)

fútbol - Soccer (page 230)

jai alai - A fast-paced game much like handball (page 231)

Introduction (page 226) The past and the present are part of the lives of Latin Americans. The

diverse elements of the ethnic groups in Latin America blend to form the Latin American culture.

Religion (page 226) Most Latin Americans are Roman Catholics. Roman Catholic missionaries

came to the region with Spanish conquerors and established the religion throughout Latin America. Many Native Americans became Roman Catholics. Roman Catholic traditions are part of everyday life. Recently the church has been active in movements against dictatorships and for improvements in education and health care.

Protestant Christianity came to Latin America with British and Dutch settlers in the 1800s. Protestantism grew in the 1900s because Latin Americans who were not clergy were given major roles in religious life.

Other religions in Latin America include Native American religions, African religions, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Since colonial rule, syncretism, or a blending of beliefs and practices into a single faith, has occurred throughout Latin America.

The Arts of Latin America (page 228) Native Americans created the earliest art forms in Latin America. Their work included temples decorated with murals—wall paintings—and mosaics—pictures or designs made by setting small bits of colored stone, tile, or shell in cement. During colonial times, the art and literature were shaped by European styles. Churches were built in Spanish and Portuguese designs, but they often had murals with details by Native American and African artists. Africans brought to the region rhythms, songs, and dances. These evolved into today’s Latin American musical styles of calypso, reggae, and samba.

During the 1900s, Latin American artists blended European, Native American, and African artistic traditions. Many of them focused on social and political themes. During the past 50 years, Latin American architects, dancers, and writers have been recognized internationally.

Everyday Life (page 230) Family life and social status are important to Latin Americans. Each person is part of an extended family that includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as parents and children. Godparents are chosen by parents to provide the child with religious and moral upbringing. Latin American society still has some machismo—a Spanish and Portuguese tradition of male supremacy. Women have made rapid advances in public life in recent decades.

The quality of education in Latin America varies. Most children are required to go to elementary school. However, many children do not go to school because of long distances and lack of money. Even so, adult literacy rates are rising. Governments have given more money to education. As the standard of living increases in Latin America, health care improves. Health problems such as malnutrition—a condition caused by lack of proper food—are becoming less severe. The death rate of infants has fallen greatly.

Fútbol, or soccer, is a very popular sport in Latin America. Baseball, basketball, and volleyball are also important sports in the region. Mexicans and Cubans enjoy jai alai, a fast game much like handball. The most popular leisure-time activity may be celebrating. Any occasion can become a fiesta or festival. The best-known festival is Carnival, which is celebrated during the week before Roman Catholic lent.

Chapter 8 Study Guide: The Physical Geography of Latin America

Chapter 8 Study Guide for Apollo Team

Chapter 8 Study Guide for Apollo Team

Chapter 8 Latin America:  The Land

This section focuses on the landforms and natural resources of Latin America.

Chapter 8, Section 1

Terms to Know

cordillera A mountain range that runs parallel to another mountain range (page 194)

altiplano A high plain (page 194)

escarpment A steep cliff or slope (page 196)

llanos Grassy plains of Colombia and Venezuela (page 196)

pampas Grassy plains of Argentina and Uruguay (page 196)

gaucho A cowhand on the pampas (page 197)

hydroelectric power Electricity generated from the energy of water (page 197)

estuary An area where the tide meets a river current (page 197)

Physical Features of Latin America

Introduction (page 193) The Amazon River is the world’s second longest river. Other important features of Latin America include mountains, islands, coastal lowlands, plains, and waterways.

1.  Why is the Amazon River an important feature of Latin America?

A Vast Region (page 193) Latin America is in the Western Hemisphere, south of the United States that was settled by Europeans who spoke Spanish or Portuguese. These languages are based on Latin, which is why the region is called Latin America.

2.  Latin America is often divided into three areas:

A.  Middle America includes Mexico and seven countries in Central America.

B.  The Caribbean consists of island countries in the Caribbean Sea.

C.  South America is a continent, the largest land area of Latin America, and has         13 countries.

Into what areas is Latin America often divided?

Mountains and Plateaus (page 194) Mountains extend the entire length of Latin America. The rugged landscape of Latin America is caused by its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is where plates of the earth’s crust have collided for thou- sands of years, creating mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Many people live in the mountains for the cool climate and natural resources.

The mountains of Latin America change names as you move south:

A.  The Sierra Madre Mountains are in Mexico.

B.  The Central Highlands are a chain of volcanic mountains in Central America. Many Caribbean islands are part of this range.

C.  The Andes of South America are the world’s longest mountain ranges.  They consist of cordilleras, or ranges that run parallel to each other.  The peaks in Peru and Bolivia encircle the Altiplano, or high plain.

There are four important plateaus in Latin America:

A.  Patagonia is a long plateau in Argentina.

B.  The Mexican Plateau has a mild climate, fertile soil, and plentiful rainfall.  The living conditions have attracted settlers for thousands of years.

D.  The Mato Grosso Plateau covers much of central Brazil.

E.  The Brazilian Highlands is a vast plateau in Brazil. Its eastern edge forms an escarpment, or a steep cliff or slope that plunges sharply to the Atlantic Ocean.

3.  What has caused the rugged landscape of Latin America?

Lowlands and Plains (page 196) Narrow lowland areas lie along most coasts of Latin America. Inland areas of South America have large grasslands. The llanos are vast grassy plains of Colombia and Venezuela. The pampas are grassy, treeless plains in Argentina and Uruguay. Cowhands called llaneros in the llanos and gauchos in the pampas drive herds of cattle across the plains. The pampas have fertile soil. Many crops are grown there.

4.       Where are the lowlands and plains of Latin America located?

Water Systems (page 197) Latin America’s waterways are used for transportation. The Rio Grande forms part of the border between Mexico and the United States. The Amazon River and smaller rivers that join it form the Amazon Basin of South America. Another river system is formed by the Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay Rivers. It provides hydroelectric power, or electricity generated from the energy of water. These rivers flow into an estuary, an area where the tide meets a river current, called the Río de la Plata.

5.       What do the water systems of Latin America provide the people of the region?

Natural Resources (page 198) Latin America’s natural resources include minerals, forests, farmland, and water. Its important minerals are oil, natural gas, gold, silver, emeralds, copper, bauxite, and tin.

6.       What important natural resources are found in Latin America?

Climate and Vegetation

This section focuses on the types of climate regions and vegetation found in Latin America.

Chapter 8, Section 2

Terms to Know

canopy A continuous layer of leaves (page 200)      

tierra templada Temperate land (page 203)

tierra caliente Hot land (page 203)      

tierra fria Cold land (page 203)

Introduction (page 199) Latin America has many climate regions. The climates and landforms affect the kinds of plants, trees, and crops that grow there.

What affects the kinds of plants, trees, and crops that grow in Latin America?

Climate and Vegetation Regions (page 199)

Much of Latin America lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Therefore, large areas of Latin America have some type of tropical climate with lush vegetation. The mountains and wind patterns, however, create a variety of climates and natural vegetation in the region. There are five major climate regions in Latin America:

A.  A tropical rain forest climate has hot temperatures and large amounts of rainfall year-round.  This climate is found in southern Mexico, eastern Central America, some Caribbean islands, and parts of northern South America.  A variety of trees grow in the rain forest, including tropical hardwoods, palms, tree ferns, and bamboo.  Trees grow so close together that they form a continuous layer of leaves called a canopy. The Amazon Basin—the earth’s largest rain forest— has more types of plants and animals than anywhere else on Earth.

B.  A tropical savanna climate has hot temperatures, large amounts of rainfall and a long dry season.  This climate is found in southwestern Mexico, most Caribbean islands, and north central South America. Many tropical savanna areas have vast grasslands.

C.   A humid subtropical climate has short, mild winters and long, hot, humid summers.  This climate is found over much of southeastern South America.  The pampas of this region are covered with short grasses. Farmers plant crops in this region to hold the topsoil in place.

D.  A desert climate is dry year-round.  This climate is found in parts of northern Mexico, coastal Peru, Argentina, and Chile.  There is little vegetation in this climate region, but prickly cacti and drought-resistant plants have adapted to the harsh environment.

E.  A steppe climate has hot summers, cool winters, and light rainfall.  The vegetation is grassy or lightly forested.  This climate is found in northern Mexico, northeastern Brazil, and south central South America.

What are the five major climate regions in Latin America?  Elevation and Climate (page 202)

(The climates of Latin America are more affected by elevation than by latitude. Spanish terms are used to describe three different vertical climate zones that occur as elevation increases.)

A.  Tierra Caliente (hotland) is at the lowest elevations between sea level and 2,500 feet.  Average temperatures range from 68 to 91degrees. Vegetation includes:  rain forest, and crops including bananas, sugar, rice, and cacao.

B.      Tierra Templada (temperate land) lies between 2,500 and 6,500feet.  Temperatures range from 60 to 72 degrees.  Vegetation includes broad-leafed and coniferous evergreens. Crops include coffee and corn. More people live in this vertical cli- mate zone than the other two because of the mild climate.

C.      Tierra Fría (cold land) lies between 6,500 and 10,000 feet.  Frosts are common during winter. Potatoes and barley grow well there.

How does elevation affect climate and vegetation in Latin America?