Mountains + Plains (1.1)
This long chain of high mountains runs along the western side of South America
Andes Mountains
What do people need to change when they live at different elevations?
clothes, work, transportation, housing
The Amazon River begins in which mountains?
Andes Mountains
What is an El Nino?
a weather phenomenon that happens when wind and water currents reverse.
How does elevation impact climate and plant growth across South America?
The farther a place is from the sea, the colder it is and the less rain it gets. Plants can't grow in temps that are too cold or don't get enough rain.
Name the large grassy areas used for grazing and growing crops in northern South America.
Northern Grasslands
Which altitude zone is warm with enough rain to grow crops like coffee and vegetables?
Tierra Templada
About how many miles does the Amazon River flow east before reaching the ocean?
4,000 miles
Which current brings cold water to the Pacific (West) coast of South America?
The Peru Current
How do elevation and climate impact life in South America?
It impacts how people work, travel, and dress.
What is the name of the large river basin that covers much of north-central South America?
Amazon River Basin
Which altitude zone is cool and dry and grows things like potatoes and barley?
Tierra Fria
birds, freshwater dolphins, anacondas, chimps, bats, and jaguars
Which current brings warm water from the Atlantic and makes the east coast warmer and more humid?
The Brazil Current
How does the Amazon River's seasonal flooding affect the rain forest around it? Give one negative and one positive.
It discourages people from living there and may cause populations to decline if they can't get away from the rising waters. Flooding puts nutrients in the soil which helps plants grow bigger and stronger in order to provide food and shelter to animals living there.
Which land area is low in elevation and has a mild climate and is good for growing crops like wheat and corn?
Southern Plains
Which altitude zone is very high, very cold, and usually does not grow crops to sell (only to feed families)?
Tierra Helada
What happens each year when the Amazon floods that helps the lowland soil?
nutrients are deposited which makes the soil more fertile and better for plant growth
What kind of climate can cold currents create along a coast?
hot and wet OR cool and dry?
cool and dry
How do wind and water currents impact the climate in South America?
Why do high mountains usually have very little plant life?
too cold and not enough rain
Explain one way people use high mountain land and one way people use low plain land.
High mountains: herd animals or subsistence farming. Low plains: large-scale farming and ranching.
Give one way people's growing population can hurt the Amazon Rainforest.
cutting down trees (deforestation), mining, building towns (urbanization)
Name one way ocean or wind currents can change weather for people living near the coast.
Bring more or less rain, make the temperatures warmer or cooler, etc.
Where do most people live in South America? (What zone?)
Tierra Templada and Tierra Fria, near the coast where temps are warmer and there is more rain