Latin America

Question 1

Which civilizations established themselves in Mexico and South America?

Answer 1

Aztecs, Maya, and Incas

These civilizations were known for their advanced societies and significant contributions to culture and agriculture.

Question 2

What empires were created by Spain and Portugal in Latin America?

Answer 2

Empires that combined Native American, European, and African traditions

This cultural convergence shaped the diverse societies found in Latin America today.

Question 3

What significant political change occurred in many Latin American countries during the 1900s?

Answer 3

Many countries moved toward democratic reforms

This shift was aimed at improving governance and representation in the region.

Question 4

What are the major physical features of Latin America?

Answer 4

Mountain ranges, Amazon Basin, and pampas

The Ring of Fire affects seismic activity in the region.

Question 5

What types of climates are found in Latin America?

Answer 5

Tropical wet, tropical wet and dry, humid subtropical, arid, semiarid, Mediterranean, marine west coast

These climates are influenced by atmospheric and oceanic currents.

Question 6

What are the largest ecosystems in Latin America?

Answer 6

Tropical forests and tropical grasslands

These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and environmental health.

Question 7

What factors contribute to the ethnic and cultural diversity in South America?

Answer 7

Migration patterns and ancestry of European, Native American, or African descent

Urbanization has influenced these patterns significantly.

Question 8

What is the primary basis of Latin American economies?

Answer 8

Agriculture

Economies are diversifying to include more industrial activities.

Question 9

What are the major industries in Mexico?

Answer 9

Petroleum extraction and tourism

These industries are vital for economic growth and development.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The __________ is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land masses.

Answer 10

isthmus

Question 11

What is the significance of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico?

Answer 11

Underground caverns and Mayan ruins attract tourism

The region’s geology is unique due to limestone dissolution.

Question 12

How did Hernán Cortés impact the Aztec Empire?

Answer 12

He conquered the Aztec empire for Spain

His actions led to the establishment of New Spain.

Question 13

What social classes emerged in New Spain after the conquest?

Answer 13

Peninsulares, criollos, mestizos, and Indians

Each class had different rights and privileges.

Question 14

What was the outcome of the Mexican Revolution?

Answer 14

Established a federal republic with an elected president and congress

This marked a significant political change in Mexico.

Question 15

What are ejidos in Mexico?

Answer 15

Land held collectively by members of a rural community

Farmers usually practice subsistence farming on ejidos.

Question 16

How did NAFTA affect manufacturing in Mexico?

Answer 16

Manufacturing increased and unemployment declined

NAFTA facilitated trade and economic growth.

Question 17

What are maquiladoras?

Answer 17

Factories that assemble products for export to the United States

They are primarily located along the US-Mexico border.

Question 18

What are the main landforms found in Central America?

Answer 18

High rugged mountains and tropical lowlands

The region is geologically active with volcanoes.

Question 19

What ethnic groups are predominant in Central America?

Answer 19

Indians, Europeans, mestizos, and Africans

Each group contributes to the region’s cultural diversity.

Question 20

What has led to political conflicts in Central America?

Answer 20

Wealth inequality and government representation issues

Guerilla movements have arisen as a response to these conflicts.

Question 21

What are the Caribbean islands primarily composed of?

Answer 21

Archipelagos: Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas

The islands vary in geological formation and climate.

Question 22

True or False: The Caribbean islands have a uniform climate across all regions.

Answer 22

False

Climate varies significantly due to windward and leeward effects.

Question 23

What primarily affects the climate of the Caribbean?

Answer 23

Sea and wind

Elevation has a lesser impact on the climate.

Question 24

What is the average temperature in the Caribbean year-round?

Answer 24

80°F

Humidity levels are high.

Question 25

How does rainfall differ on the windward and leeward sides of Caribbean islands?

Answer 25

Windward sides receive heavy rainfall up to 200 inches; leeward sides receive only about 30 inches.

Question 26

What was the impact of European colonists on the indigenous population of the Caribbean?

Answer 26

Dramatic decrease in the Indian population during the colonial era.

Question 27

From where does much of the Caribbean population descend?

Answer 27

Enslaved Africans brought to work on plantations.

Question 28

What cultural influence is significant in the Caribbean?

Answer 28

African roots.

Question 29

What demographic change occurred after the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean?

Answer 29

Many immigrants from East Asia and South Asia settled in the region.

Question 30

What percentage of the Caribbean population lives in independent countries today?

Answer 30

About 90 percent.

Question 31

How do the economies of many Caribbean islands primarily function?

Answer 31

Depend on agriculture.

Question 32

What is a common occupation for many in the Caribbean related to agriculture?

Answer 32

Farm laborers.

Question 33

What is a significant issue related to tourism in the Caribbean?

Answer 33

Most profits go to foreign companies.

Question 34

Which two countries make up the island of Hispaniola?

Answer 34

Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Question 35

Why do Caribbean islanders often migrate?

Answer 35

To find jobs.

Question 36

What happens to many idle agricultural workers in the Caribbean?

Answer 36

They head to other islands, Central America, or the United States for work.

Question 37

What has caused many refugees from Cuba and Haiti to seek asylum in the United States?

Answer 37

Political unrest.

Question 38

How do emigrants benefit their families back in the Caribbean?

Answer 38

By sending money home.

Question 39

Some Caribbean islands are still politically linked with _______.

Answer 39

European countries and the United States.

Question 40

How does migration benefit the Caribbean islands?

Answer 40

Emigrants send money back to their families.

Question 41

What has made Brazil the world’s largest exporter of sugar?

Answer 41

Sugar plantations on the coastal plain.

Question 42

What is the sertão?

Answer 42

An interior plateau with hard soils and droughts.

Question 43

What is a significant challenge faced by people in the sertão?

Answer 43

Short life expectancy due to low incomes and poor nutrition.

Question 44

What happens to rural Brazilians who migrate to cities?

Answer 44

Many find no jobs or low-paying jobs.

Question 45

What are favelas?

Answer 45

Slum communities in large cities.

Question 46

What was the purpose of moving the capital to Brasília?

Answer 46

To boost development of the interior region.

Question 47

What is the Amazon River basin known for?

Answer 47

Being the largest and least explored region in Brazil.

Question 48

What is the average rainfall in the Amazon River basin?

Answer 48

More than 80 inches (200 cm) per year.

Question 49

What type of vegetation is found above the timber line in the Andes?

Answer 49

Alpine tundra.

Question 50

What is the primary economic activity in the Guianas?

Answer 50

Fishing and farming.

Question 51

What mineral is extracted in Guyana and Suriname?

Answer 51

Bauxite.

Question 52

What dominates the economy of Venezuela?

Answer 52

Petroleum.

Question 53

What significant agricultural product do Colombian farmers depend on?

Answer 53

Coffee.

Question 54

What is a major issue in Colombia's agricultural system?

Answer 54

Social inequality and the focus on illegal crops.

Question 55

What has affected the economy of Ecuador the most?

Answer 55

The discovery and export of oil.

Question 56

Which region is home to most of Chile’s economic activity?

Answer 56

Central Valley.

Question 57

What is the economic activity most greatly affecting the economy of Ecuador?

Answer 57

The discovery and export of oil. ## Footnote Oil has become a crucial part of Ecuador's economy, significantly influencing its growth and development.

Question 58

Which region is home to most of Chile’s economic activity?

Answer 58

Central Valley. ## Footnote The Central Valley is known for its fertile lands and agricultural production.

Question 59

What are the physical characteristics of the southern grassland countries?

Answer 59

Pampas, Gran Chaco, Patagonia. ## Footnote These regions include temperate grasslands, interior lowlands, and cold plateaus suitable for various agricultural activities.

Question 60

What is the definition of an estuary?

Answer 60

A broad river mouth where a flooded river valley meets the sea. ## Footnote The Río de la Plata is an example of an estuary.

Question 61

What is the Gran Chaco?

Answer 61

An interior lowland of savanna and dense shrub in parts of Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia. ## Footnote It features mild temperatures and seasonal rain.

Question 62

What are the pampas?

Answer 62

Temperate grasslands where grain is grown. ## Footnote The pampas are also historically associated with gauchos, or cowboys.

Question 63

What is the economic basis of Paraguay?

Answer 63

Agriculture. ## Footnote Paraguay's economy is heavily reliant on agricultural products.

Question 64

How did Paraguay gain ocean access despite being landlocked?

Answer 64

Through the Plata River system. ## Footnote This river system connects Paraguay to the ocean, facilitating trade.

Question 65

What is the primary economic activity of Uruguay?

Answer 65

Raising livestock and making related products. ## Footnote Uruguay focuses on animal husbandry as a key economic driver.

Question 66

What challenges does Uruguay face regarding goods production?

Answer 66

Uruguay must import most goods. ## Footnote The country produces no fuel and few consumer goods.

Question 67

What characterizes the middle class in Uruguay?

Answer 67

A large middle class and few slums in the cities. ## Footnote This reflects a relatively high standard of living compared to other countries.

Question 68

What is a significant feature of Buenos Aires?

Answer 68

It is a center of industry and has heavy air pollution. ## Footnote The city's industrial activities attract many rural migrants.

Question 69

Who was Juan Domingo Perón?

Answer 69

A well-known military dictator of Argentina. ## Footnote Perón's rule was marked by repression and attempts at economic development through foreign loans.

Question 70

What was the 'dirty wars' period in Argentina?

Answer 70

A time of military repression during the 1970s. ## Footnote This period was characterized by human rights violations and state terrorism against perceived dissidents.

Question 71

What led to the end of military rule in Argentina?

Answer 71

Defeat in the Falklands War in 1982. ## Footnote This defeat prompted a return to democratic elections in Argentina.

Question 72

How are the political histories of the grassland countries similar?

Answer 72

All were ruled by military dictators, replaced by democratic governments. ## Footnote This shared history has shaped their contemporary political landscapes.

Question 73

Fill in the blank: The _______ is a cold plateau region well suited for raising sheep.

Answer 73

Patagonia. ## Footnote Patagonia is also known for its rich deposits of oil and bauxite.