Transcript South America Geography

South America Geography
South America is the fourth
largest continent in size and
the fifth largest in population.
It is located primarily in the
southern hemisphere, is
bordered by the Atlantic
Ocean to the east and the
Pacific Ocean to the West.
The geography of South
America is dominated by the
Andes Mountain Range and
the Amazon River (second
longest river in the world).
dominated by the Andes
Mountain Range and the
Amazon River (second
longest river in the world)
Beginning of Civilization of South American
Prior to European colonization, the Incan Civilization was a
dominant force in South America. In the 1500's, Spain and
Portugal colonized much of South America.
It is politically divided into twelve sovereign states: Argentina,
Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay,
Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela, plus the overseas
administration of French Guiana.
Oldest Civilizations of South
America
One of the oldest
civilizations of South
America is the Inca
civilization. The capital of the
Inca civilization was the city
of Cusco in the Andes.
The Incas were known for
their distinct and developed
culture. The ruins of the Inca
civilization suggest that
cities were built with
unmatched stonework and
constructed with great
precision.
The Three Native Civilizations found in South America
Aztec
Maya
Inca
Of the three Native civilizations found in South America (Mayas,
Incas, and Aztecs), the Incas were the least warlike. Their
outstanding accomplishments in art and agriculture have
endured throughout the centuries as their knowledge and
expertise has been passed down from generation to generation.
They have retained their culture, their lifestyle, and their artistic
pursuits to this very day.
Freedom Fighters
The colonies gained
independence in the
1800's with the help of
leaders such as Simon
Bolivar and Jose de San
Martin.
As a result, much of
South America still
speaks Spanish and
Portuguese is the primary
language of Brazil.
Jose de San Martin
Simon Bolivar
Amazon Rainforest
Amazon rainforest is home to
many strangest looking, largest
and smallest, most dangerous and
least frightening, loudest and
quietest animals on Earth.
Visit Amazon Rainforest Animals
to know more about it.
The Unique Animals of South America
Andean Condor
Piranha
Anaconda
Southern Right Whale
Giant Tortoise
Capybara
Amazon River
Amazon river is the lifeline of the
rainforest and most of its water
comes from the snow melt in the
Andes of Peru - it originates high
up in the mountains and formed
by the join efforts of the Ucayali
and Marañon rivers.
Climate
South America has a wide range of climates
Three main climate regions in SouthAmerica are home to many plants and
animals.
The higher elevations in the Andes have cold weather with mixed sun and snow.
The center of the continent has mild winters, warm summers,and a rainy season.
The Amazon rainforest has a tropical climate. It is rainy all year long.
Landforms of South
America
•Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is located in the northern part of Chile.
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world.
In some places rain has not fallen for centuries.
Pampas
The Pampas of South America is home to a number of rodents, many
unique to the region, from grasslands to sparse vegetation. Waterfowl and
waders make their home in cool rivers or coastal lagoons.
The Pampas are located in the center of the northern part of Argentina.
The Pampas are a fertile plain.
Natural Resources of
South America
Natural resources of
South America are
coffee beans, cocoa
beans, bananas,
timber, rubber, gold,
bauxite, spices, and
salt.
Summary
South America has Earth’s longest mountain
range, driest desert,biggest rain forest, and
river with the most water. South America has
three main climates and valuable natural
resource.