A
a steep cliff or slope between a higher and lower land surface
escarpment
a syncretic blend of Catholicism and West African religions
Macumba
parallel chains or ranges of mountains
cordillera
the longest river in the Western Hemisphere
a slum on the outskirts of a Brazilian city consisting of crudely built shacks
favela
. the loss of highly educated and skilled workers to other countries
Brain Drain
an ancient Inca town in the Andes
Machu Picchu
the grassy, treeless plains of southern South America
pampas
the world’s highest large lake
Titicaca
a thick, weathered soil of the humid tropics that is largely depleted of fertility and nutrients
oxisol
What causes Patagonia to be dry, barren, and windy?
the rain shadow effect caused by the Andes
Who were leaders of the South American wars for independence?
Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín
In South America, most people live
on the coasts or near major rivers
Most Argentinians today are descended from
Spaniards and Italians.
Lent is a ______ holiday celebrated just before easter
Catholic
Which of the following are major crops exported from South America?
grains, soybeans, and coffee
In the Amazon rain forest in Brazil, __________ is the leading cause of deforestation
cattle ranching
How does monoculture affect soil?
it depletes its nutrients
Due to its location, the predominant climates of South America are
tropical wet and tropical wet/dry
Why is Argentina considered to be a global role model for environmental policies?
It has voluntarily set greenhouse gas emission targets.