SA Module 11 Lesson 1

What is the main physical feature of Pacific South America?

• Amazon River

• Andes Mountains

• Pampas

• Llanos

Answer explanation

The Andes Mountains are the dominant physical feature of Pacific South America, forming a continuous mountain range along the western edge of the continent, significantly influencing the region's climate and geography.

Which river is the longest in Caribbean South America?

• Amazon River

• Orinoco River

• Paraná River

• Cauca River

Answer explanation

The Orinoco River is the longest river in Caribbean South America, stretching about 2,140 kilometers. In comparison, the Amazon and Paraná rivers are longer overall, but they are not located in Caribbean South America.

What is the climate like in southern Colombia?

• Arid desert

• Tropical savanna with wet and dry seasons

• Temperate with four seasons

• Cold and dry

Answer explanation

Southern Colombia has a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, making it different from arid deserts, temperate climates, or cold regions.

Which region is known for its wide, grassy plains in central Argentina?

• Brazilian Highlands

• Patagonia

• Pampas

• Gran Chaco

Answer explanation

The Pampas is a vast region in central Argentina known for its fertile, grassy plains, making it distinct from the Brazilian Highlands, Patagonia, and Gran Chaco, which have different geographical features.

What is the Llanos primarily composed of?

• Rainforest

• Mountainous terrain

• Grassland

• Desert

Answer explanation

The Llanos is primarily composed of grassland, characterized by vast plains and savannas, making it distinct from rainforests, mountainous terrain, or deserts.

What is the main threat to the resources of the Amazon rain forest?

• Deforestation

• Soil exhaustion

• Flooding

• Volcanic eruptions

Answer explanation

Deforestation is the primary threat to the Amazon rain forest, as it leads to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and disruption of the ecosystem. Other options like soil exhaustion and flooding are concerns, but deforestation is the most critical.

What is an estuary?

• A partially enclosed body of water where freshwater mixes with salty seawater

• A type of forest

• A mountain range

• A large desert

Answer explanation

An estuary is defined as a partially enclosed body of water where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with salty seawater from the ocean, making it a unique and vital ecosystem.

What is the main reason climate varies in Pacific South America?

• Proximity to the equator

• Latitude

• Elevation

• Ocean currents

Answer explanation

Elevation significantly influences climate in Pacific South America, as higher altitudes lead to cooler temperatures and varied precipitation patterns, making it a key factor in climate variation.

The largest country in South America in terms of size is _________

• Venezuela

• Uruguay

• French Guiana

• Brazil

Answer explanation

Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering about 8.5 million square kilometers. The other options, Venezuela, Uruguay, and French Guiana, are significantly smaller in size.

South America is located between which 2 oceans?

• Arctic and Atlantic

• Indian and Pacific

• Arctic and Indian

• Atlantic and Pacific

Answer explanation

South America is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Therefore, the correct answer is that it is located between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.