Regions & Maps
This hemisphere includes North America, Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, and South America.
The Western Hemisphere
What do we call large bodies of saltwater like the Pacific or Atlantic?
Oceans
Give one example of a natural resource.
Examples: coal, oil, timber/trees, gold, copper, iron ore, natural gas, salt, fish, etc.
In which type of economy do people trade by bartering and use farming, hunting, and gathering?
Traditional economy.
Name two physical features listed in the study guide that you might find across the Western Hemisphere.
Mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, rivers, lakes, oceans, rainforests, valleys (any two).
Name one major mountain range labeled on the North America landforms map.
Rocky Mountains or Appalachian Mountains
What industry uses trees for wood and paper?
Forestry
Which country in the study guide is given as an example of a command economy?
Cuba
What does a climate-zones map show?
A climate-zones map shows areas of the world with different types of weather (hot, cold, rainy).
What are landforms? Provide a short definition in your own words.
Landforms are the natural shapes on Earth’s surface, such as mountains, valleys, and plains.
Name two major exports mentioned that the U.S. sells to other countries.
Corn, soybeans, airplanes, machinery (any two).
What is the main difference between a market economy and a command economy?
Market economy: people choose what to buy and sell based on supply and demand. Command economy: the government controls production and distribution.
Which region includes Mexico and the countries of Central America?
Mesoamerica
Which two Great Lakes or large northern bays are labeled on the landforms map? (name two)
Rivers and the Great Lakes support shipping, fishing, and trade, which helps move goods and create jobs.
List two factors companies consider when deciding where to build factories.
Raw materials, workers (labor), markets (customers), transportation costs.
Why might Mesoamerica’s location near the U.S. and Canada help its economy? Give one clear reason.
Because it is near large markets (U.S. and Canada), trade is easier and faster, and shipping routes are shorter — helping exports and jobs.
The study guide shows a five-region map of the United States. Name three of those five U.S. regions.
The West, The Midwest, The Northeast, The Southwest, The Southeast (any three).
Explain how rivers and the Great Lakes help North America’s economy.
Rivers and the Great Lakes support shipping, fishing, and trade, which helps move goods and create jobs.
Describe one way geography (resources and land) helps North America’s economy — use at least two supporting details.
example answer: Fertile soil and wide plains support farming of crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans; forests provide timber and paper; oil and natural gas fields provide energy and jobs — all of which create exports and support businesses.
Explain how tourism supports Mesoamerica’s economy. Include two examples of attractions mentioned in the study guide.
Tourism brings money and jobs by attracting visitors to ancient ruins (Mayan temples) and natural attractions (beaches, rainforests, wildlife); businesses like hotels, restaurants, and tour guides benefit.