world geography unit 7

How has South america's rugged landscape both attracted and isolated people

Andes gives fertile soil and cool weather- attracted ppl for generations. Due to high peaks and rugged landscape- many small communities are extremely isolated

why is the mexican plateau considered the heartland of Mexico

Between two mountain ranges. North: Large cities Southern Plateau: Bread basket; large farming community. Many ppl. live in area.

syncretism

a blending of beliefs and practices from different religions into one faith

cottage industry

a business that employs workers in their homes

vertical climate zone

a climate zone that occurs as elevation increases with hits own natural vegetation and crops

archipelago

a group or chain of islands

isthmus

a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas

altiplano

a region in peru and bolivia encircled by the andes

land bridge

a strip of land that connects two larger landmasses enabling migration of plants and animals to new areas

What economic factors have helped maintain an unequal distribution of wealth in Central America and Caribbean?

agriculture as large employer/ hacienda system (large scale growers employ lots of ppl for little pay) hampers reform. still stuck in industrial employment, cottage industry.

How are Central American rivers and lakes important to the human systems of the area?

aiding growth and development; transportation; drainage; irrigation; drinking; and a source of hydroelectric power

free trade zone

an area of a country in which trade restrictions so not apply

biodiversity

biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals

How does its location in the tropics affect the climate of central America and the Caribbean?

carry moist air and results in high temperatures, abundant year round. Tropical and subtropical climate region mainly. (central america) tropical dry/wet. east winds- moist wind. leaves western islands dryer (not as fertile soil).

Why is soil erosion and soil decline such an issue in Central America and the Caribbean?

causes sedimentation which leads to the destruction of coral reefs which destroys many livelihoods

primate city

city that dominates a country's economy, culture, and government and in which population is concentrated; usually the capital.

How have the traditions and beliefs of indigenous peoples, Africans, and Europeans shaped society and culture in Central America and the Caribbean?

created unique language, traditions and art. Creates dialects. blend of religions both Catholicism (Spain), christian religions, and indigenous beliefs.

How does climate affect human activities in Mexico

depending on climate: people have different jobs

patois

dialect used in everyday speech that blends elements of several languages

matriarchal

family ruled by a woman such as a mother, grandmother, or aunt

cash crop

farm product grown to be sold or traded rather than used by the farm family

llanos

fertile grasslands found in inland areas of COlombia and Venezuela

Why are the majority of Central America's people concentrated in the Central Highlands?

fertile soil (volcanoes): agriculture and dense population areas

Pampas

grassy treeless plains of southern south america

megacity

great city that is made up of several large and small cities

Why does Mexico have few major rivers and natural lakes?

high plateaus and mountains; very hot and dry. Because rain shadow: dry

extended family

household made up of several generations of family members

latifundia

in Latin America, large agricultural estates owned by families or corporations

minifundia

in Latin America, small farms that produce food chiefly for family use

maquiladora

in Mexico, a manufacturing plant owned by a foreign company.

How does climate affect human activities on south americac

jobs are dependant on climate. no agriculture in a desert!

How did colonialism influence the history and government of central America and the Caribbean?

large Spanish and European influence in Central America and Caribbean

How have migration and rapid growth affected the population?

large blending of of ethnic groups. Population growth rate is extremely high. Population density is one of the highest in the world

dialect

local form of a language used in a particular place or by a certain group

deforestation

loss or destruction of forests mainly for logging or farming

cordillera

parallel chains or ranges of mountains

reforestation

planting young trees or seeds on lands where trees have been cut or destroyed

mestizo

refers to people of mixed indigenous and European descent

seismic

relating to or caused by an earthquake

land subsidence

sinking or settling of land to a lower level in response to various natural and human caused factors

conquistador

spanish for conqueror spanish soldier who participated in conquest of indigenous peoples of Latin America

escarpment

steep cliff or slope between a higher and lower land surface

outsourcing

subcontracting manufacturing work to outside companies; especially foreign and nonunion companies

sustainable development

technological and economic growth that does deplete the human and natural resources of a given area

sedimentation

the action or process of forming or depositing sediment

ecotourism

the practice and business or recreational travel based on concern for the environment

population pressure

the sum of factors within a population that reduce the ability of an environment to support the population, therefore resulting in migration or population decline

Why is biodiversity protection so important in Central America?

to save rainforests;species that live in them; protect livelihoods of ppl who rely on the rainforest.

How are south americas rivers important for economic development?

transportation, irrigation necessary for agriculture.

GDP

value of goods and services produced within a country in a year

How do growing human needs affect resources and the environment in Central America and the Caribbean?

water shortages/access to freshwater is a problem for many countries. Water is a main dispute due to the lack of natural rivers and waterways. Water usage (hydroelectric power) makes problems as well- leads to disturbances in environment.