Central and South America Geography

Which letter on the map identifies the Caribbean Sea?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which body of water is located west of Mexico?

• the Pacific Ocean

• the Gulf of Mexico

• the Atlantic Ocean

• the Caribbean Sea

Which letter on the map identifies the location of the Andes Mountains?

• A

• B

• C

• D

How are highlands different from lowlands?

• Highlands are near the ocean.

• Lowlands have a hotter climate.

What is the Isthmus of Panama?

• a narrow land bridge in Central America

• a mountainous area in South America

Lowlands are more likely to provide transportation for goods because they

• are located near mountains.

• are located by the ocean.

How did terrace farming allow Mesoamerican people to grow crops effectively?

• It allowed them to increase the amount of land they could farm.

• It provided a way to farm even in lowland areas with soil of poor quality.

Which physical features most promoted trade between Mesoamerican peoples?

• mountains

• rivers

How did the physical environment affect the development of cities in Mesoamerica?

• Good farmland led to crop surpluses and trade.

• Mountain areas allowed for easy road building and other construction.

Based on the map, why were the Maya most likely drawn to Tulum?

• It was a mountainous area that was suitable for terrace farming.

• It was a coastal lowland area that offered transportation routes.