World Geography Unit 3 Test
Cordillera
Parallel chains or ranges of mountains
How does climate affect human activities in South America?
Positive- tropical represent a tremendous resource and supports man communities Negative- coastal weather, fishing and agriculture
Conquistador
Spanish for "conqueror"; Spanish soldier who participated in conquest of indigenous peoples of Latin America
Altiplano
Spanish for "high plain," a region in Peru and Bolivia encircled by the Andes
Which groups conquered South America during the 1600s-1800s?
Spanish, French, and Portuguese
sustainable development
Technological and economic growth that does not deplete the human and natural resources of a given area
What are three water systems in Mexico?
The Lerma River- feeds into Lake Chapala Lake Chapala- larger natural lake in Mexico The Gulf of Mexico- supports diverse sea life including a manatee, famous for shrimp and supplies for the fishing industry.
Describe the concept of brain drain and how it relates to the countries of South America.
The brain drain is the loss of highly educated and skilled workers to other countries. It relates to the countries because the workers are leaving South America to North America and Europe to search for a better life
Why does Mexico have few major rivers and natural lakes?
The climate is dry and the volume of water is not collected
Monoculture
The cultivation or growth of a single crop over a wide area for a consecutive number of years
Why are Mexico's resources in jeopardy?
The ecosystems are experiencing the effects of global climate change and environmental destruction.
Name and describe the two inland grassland areas of South America.
The llanos are fertile grasslands found in inland areas of Colombia and Venezuela. Llanos are used for animals. Pampas are grassy, treeless plains of southern South America
Describe the llanos and the Atacama. Include the climates of the regions and any adaptations that plants and animals must have to survive.
The llanos are fertile grasslands(tropical and wet easy for plants and animals to survive) and the Atacama are Desert areas that are so arid no rainfall has ever been recorded there is cactus/succulents animals would have to search harder for water sources
Land subsidence
The sinking or settling of a land to a lower level in response to various natural and human caused factors
Gross domestic product (GDP)
The value of goods and services produced within a country in a year
How are South America's rivers important for economic development?
They Provide ways of transport goods and people within and between the countries of South America
How has South America's physical geography influenced its population patterns?
Through the steady growth of the population and the migration of people into large, urban areas, and climates, transportation, fertile land, and fishing
How do human activities impact Mexico's economy?
When people achieve a new economic status they invest in material goods such as electronics and cars
How are oxisols formed in soil?
When too much of the natural vegetation cover is removed and when erosion happens and humidity also plays a factor
Megacity
a great city that is made up of several large and small cities
Cash crop
farm product grown to be sold or traded rather than be used by the farm family
Quipu
knotted cords of various lengths and colors used by the Inca to keep financial records
Brain drain
the loss of highly educated and skilled workers to other countries
Deforestation
the loss or destruction of forests, mainly for logging or farming
What is a vertical climate zone and what is an example?
A vertical climate zone is a climate zone that occurs as elevation increases, with its own natural vegetation and crops. An example is Tierra Helada
What influenced Mexico's political and social structures?
Diverse cultures, languages, and civilizations among the indigenous peoples of Mexico
How have South America's abundant natural resources contributed to its economic development?
Good on contributing global change, heavily dependent on natural resources, trade agreements (the trade the timber from the rainforests) and extract resources
Pampas
Grassy, treeless plains of southern South America
What factors shaped Mexico's population patterns?
Having multiple languages, belief systems, and introductions of new cultures
Extended family
Household made up of several generations of family members
How does climate affect human activities in Mexico?
If the climate provides enough water for farming, it affects where people settle.
Describe how mining has affected the environments of South America.
Illegal mining damage the natural land and water features also takes away nutrients in the ground
How has Mexico's place in the global economy changed?
In 1992, Mexico, the United States, and Canada signed the North American Free Trade Agreement and it focuses on manufacturing
Maquiladora
In Mexico, a manufacturing plant owned by a foreign country
How have indigenous peoples and Europeans contributed to the creation of modern governments in South America?
Indigenous people live virtually untouched by the influence of other cultures or modern technology and are inspired by American and French Revolution for freedom
How has the management of forest and agricultural resources impacted the environment in South America?
Issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, desertification and pollution have been significant problems for all countries in South America. They also have been taking advantage of resources to increase economic status and health
Why does urban growth and industrialization create environmental problems in South America?
It created environmental pollution for example many poor immigrants have settled in favelas that are disconnected from established city services and have problematic sewage and unrestricted residential growth. Also there is overpopulation and using resources
What is sustainable development and how does it pertain to Mexico?
It is the sinking or settling of a land to a lower level in response to various natural and human caused factors. It pertains to Mexico by the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action plan
Describe South America's contributions to the arts. Include specific examples from the lesson.
Massive buildings of the ancient Incas that reveal a mastery of stone and engineering that are still studied today for their ingenuity, weaving, ceramics, and metalworking are passed down from generations to generation. Dances like Argentine tango
How is Mexico City both a megacity and a primate city?
Mexico City absorbed both smaller cities and is is also the cultural and economic center of Mexico
What are notable examples of a cultural practices in Mexico?
Murals, especially the elaborate ones painted by Diego Rivera, mosaics, and most Mexicans identify themselves as Catholics
Escarpment
A steep cliff or slope between a higher and lower land surface
Land bridge
A strip of land that connects two large landmasses, enabling migration of plants and animlas to new areas
Oxisol
A thick weathered soil of the humid tropics that is largely depleted of fertility and nutrients
Syncretism
A blending of beliefs and practices from different religions into one faith
Primate city
A city that dominates a country's economy, culture, and government and in which population is concentrated; usually the capital
Vertical climate zones
A climate zone that occurs as elevation increases, with its own natural vegetation and crops
Free trade zone
An area of a country in which trade restrictions do not apply
How has South America's rugged landscape both attracted and isolated people?
Attracted- the volcanic soil is good for agriculture, natural resources are concentrated there, and there are cooler temps Isolated- cordilleras have been established natural barriers around people, its harder to cross and many natural disasters
Why is South America one of the world's most culturally diverse areas?
Because many indigenous cultural groups inhabit the subregion, especially in rural or less populated areas, spanish and Portuguese people were the first ones who inhabited there, enslaved African Americans came next
Why is the Mexican Plateau considered the heartland of Mexico?
Because the majority of the population lives in the plateau, and there is also better climates and fertile soils to provide food
How are governments in Mexico addressing environmental issues?
By creating the Border 2020 program which is an environmental program that emphasizes regional and local approaches for decision making, priority setting and project implemation. They also created the reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation program and the Muévete en Bici.
How does Mexico manage its resources?
By developing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action plan in 2000/ It conserves and protects biodiversity components, it values the different components of biodiversity, promotes knowledge of biodiversity and encourages sustainable and diversified uses of biodiversity components
How are people and governments addressing environmental issues in South America?
By passing the zero deforestation law in 2004 tha prohibits forested areas from being converted to landscapes
Uneven development
Condition in which some places do not benefit as much as others from social and economic advancements
What are important resources for trading in Mexico?
Copper, silver, petroleum, and avocados
How does the Mexican society and culture reflect the country's colonial past?
Family and status of women, through art the past is revealed through murals, conquerors asserted their power until Mexico declared Independence.
Llanos
Fertile grasslands found in inland areas of Colombia and Venezuela
Mestizo
Refers to people of mixed indigenous and European descent
Seismic
Relating to or caused by an earthquake
