Exploring Continents North America And South America
Class 7 | Social Science — Geography | Unit 1
Class 7 Unit 1 Geography
Exploring Continents – North America and South America
Learning Objectives
• To understand the location, boundary and political divisions of North America and South America.
• To understand the physical features and the drainage.
• To understand the climate, natural vegetation and wildlife of the continents.
• To discuss the resources, economic activities and cultural mosaic.
• To develop the skill of locating places on the map.
Introduction
Students: Good morning madam
Teacher: Good morning students. Did you all enjoy your half yearly exam holidays.
Students: Yes madam
Teacher: Fine. How many continents are there in the world? Can anyone of you name them?
Students: Madam there are seven continents. They are North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Antarctica, Australia and Africa.
Teacher: Last year, how many continents you did study?
Students: Madam, we studied about two continents. They are Europe and Asia.
Teacher: Ok, this year we will be learning about North America and South America.
A. North America
North and South America are often referred to as the new world because they were discovered in the late fifteenth century. In 1492 North America was discovered by Christopher Columbus while he was trying to find a new sea route to India. The landmass was named America in 1507 after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci who landed on this continent. In this lesson we can learn location, boundaries, relief features, rivers, climate, natural vegetation, minerals and transportation.
Location and Area
The continent of North America lies between 7° North and 84° North latitude which lie entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Cancer (23½° North) passes through the Mexico and Arctic Circle (66½° North) runs through northern part of Canada. Longitudinally it extends between 53° West and 180° West and lies entirely in the western hemisphere. This continent has a great longitudinal extent which results in Seven Time Zones. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 Square kilometers. Which occupies 16.50 percent of the entire land area.
Boundaries
North America is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in the West, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, Arctic Ocean in the north and South America in the south. The Isthmus of Panama joined with the North America and South America. The Bering Strait separates North America from Asia.
Political Division
North America is the third largest continent next to Asia and Africa. North America has three large countries and several smaller ones. Canada is the largest country of North America followed by the United States of America and Mexico. The seven small countries which lies to the south of Mexico are referred to as central America. These include Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Belize.
Do You Know?
Isthmus: A narrow stretch of land joining two large land masses.
Strait: A narrow stretch of water joining two large water bodies.
Physiography
North America is a continent of great physical diversity. Mount McKinley is about 6194 meter above the sea level and is the highest peak. In North America death valley is about 86 meter below the sea level and is the lowest part of the continent of North America. It has some of the oldest and the youngest rocks in the world. On the basis of physiography North America can be classified into four major physical divisions:
1. The Rocky Mountains,
2. The Great Plains,
3. The Appalachian Highlands and
4. The Coastal Plain.
1. The Rocky Mountains
The western part of the continent is occupied by long ranges of young folded mountains interspersed with high plateaus, narrow valleys and broad interior basins. This mountain range extends for about 4800 km from Alaska in the North to the Panama Strait in the South. The width varies from 110 to 480 Kms. They are consists of parallel ranges and are known as the Rockies in the east and the Coast Range Mountains in the west. The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the Western United States lies. between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin. In Mexico, they are called Sierra Madre. The Rockies and the Coast Range are together is known as "Western Cordilleras". There are high intermontane plateaus lies between these ranges. Such as the Mexican plateau, the Colorado Plateau and the Columbian plateau.
Do You Know?
The Cordilleras are also part of the Fire Ring of the Pacific because there are a number of active volcanoes and this area is also subject to earthquakes.
Do You Know?
Highest peaks in different continents:
Asia: Mount Everest (8848 meter)
South America: Mount Aconcagua (6961 meter)
North America: Mount McKinley (6194 meter)
Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 meter)
Europe: Mount Elbrus (5642 meter)
Antarctica: Mount Vinson Massif (4,892 meter)
Australia: Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meter)
The Great Plains
To the east of the Rockies and the west of the Appalachian Mountains lies the great plains of North America. It covers about three - fifth of the continent. This plain stretches from the Arctic Ocean in North to the Gulf of Mexico in the South and from the Appalachian Highlands in the east to the Rockies in the west. The western part of the plains is called the High Plains spreading roughly over the foothills of the Rockies. Most of the rivers of this region have their source in the Western Highlands and the plains generally slope eastwards and southwards. They are drained by rivers like the Mississippi and the Missouri.
The Appalachian Highlands
The Appalachian Highlands do not form a continuous chain like the Western Highlands (The Rockies). These Highlands are low and wide. They have a very few peaks more than 1800 meters. They include the High Plateaus of Greenland, Labrador or Laurentian Plateau in Canada and the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. These old fold mountains are worn down by weathering and are much lower than the Western highlands. This region is rich in mineral reserves like coal, iron ore, copper etc., which play a vital role in the North American economy.
The Coastal Plains
The coastal plains of North America are the youngest in age. Most of the Atlantic Plain has been drowned (lies underwater). This is low and relatively plain area with sandy soil which is infertile in nature. Here swamps and marshes are abundant and the coast is indented by river mouths and bays on which many important seaports are located.
Drainage
Many rivers flow across this land and some of them following the valleys are formed by the glaciers. The Mississippi and Missouri rivers are the longest rivers in North America and together they form the fourth longest river system in the world and stretching more than 6114 kilometer from Montana to Gulf of Mexico. After 3700 kilometer running the Missouri river joins the Mississippi river. The Mackenzie River is the second largest drainage basin of North America. It has it source from Great Slave Lake and drains into Arctic Ocean. St. Lawrence has its origin in Lake Ontario which flows north east and drains into the Atlantic Ocean. The plateau of the west has been cut deeply by the River Columbia and its tributary which forms many Gorges called Canyons. The most famous is the Grand Canyon cut by the river Colorado which all flows over the plateau of Columbia. These rivers form a barrier to communication but whose water has been dammed for irrigation and power. The River Yukon rising in the north-west of the Western mountain system is frozen for eight months in the year. The River Rio Grande flows into the Gulf of Mexico and forms the boundary between United states of America and Mexico.
Do You Know?
Grand Canyon is a steep-sided Canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona State of United States of America
Numerous lakes are found in the glaciated parts of the continent and especially in North Minnesota. These lakes are small and they are used for recreational purposes. The Great Lakes are formed across the continent from west to east. The most important chain consists of five lakes. The biggest is Lake Superior and it is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Lake Winnipeg, Great Bear Lake and Lake Athabasca are some of the other lakes in Canada.
Do You Know?
The Mississippi river has been given the nickname "The Big Muddy" because it erodes a lot of sand and mud on its passage. Some of the States in United States of America are named after the tributaries of these two mighty rivers the Mississippi and Missouri.
Climate
The vast latitudinal extend from the Tropical region to the Polar Regions makes the climate of North America as varied as that of Asia. Unlike the Himalayas, the Rockies run north to south which do not act as a climatic barrier and cannot prevent the icy winds from the Arctic region. So, the cold winds penetrating the central plains which therefore have a very long cold winter and very short hot summer. Precipitation occurs due to cyclonic storms. The Arctic region is cold and mostly dry and has a very short summer and a very long bitterly cold winter. As one proceeds southwards the short summer becomes warm but the winter is very cold. The central plains had extreme climate. Freezing conditions in winter and tropical heat in summer. The South is usually warm all the year round and the regions around the mouth of the Mississippi-Missouri and the Gulf Coast have summer rain from the North East Trades which blow on-shore in summer. The warm moist South Westerlies not only bring rainfall to the North West coast and also keep it warm. The warm Alaskan Current keeps the North West coast ice free. The State of California in United States of America has a Mediterranean Climate with moist winter and dry summers.
Do You Know?
The Westerlies or Anti-trades are prevailing winds from the west toward the east in the middle latitudes between 30° and 60° latitude.
Natural Vegetation
North America is endowed with a diverse and extensive forest cover. Approximately 30 percentage of the total land area is under forest cover. Lumbering is a well developed industry particularly in Canada. North America is a major producer of timber, plywood, wood pulp and paper. It accounts for approximately 20 percent of the world's production of timber. This diversity is brought about primarily because of the different latitudes and variations in altitude, soil and precipitation.
| Serial number | Types of forest | Climate | Region | Flora | Fauna |
| 1 | Tundra | winter is long and severely cold, Summer is short and cool. Rainfall is scanty. | northern coast of Canada and Northern Islands | Mosses, lichens and Dwarf willows | Arctic Fox, Reindeer, Musk Ox, Polar Bears, Wolverin, Sable and Blue Fox |
| 2 | Taiga or the Cold temperate Coniferous Forest | winter is very cold, Summer is warm and short. Heavy snowfall during winter | south central Alaska and northeastern Canada | Pine, Fir, Cedar and Spruce | Beaver, Fox, Sable, Ermine, Skunk, Caribou Moose, Elk, Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. |
| 3 | Temperate Prairies and Central Grasslands | winter is very cold, Summer is hot and rainfall is moderate. | central USA and Central Canada | Grasses, shrubs, herbs | Coyote, Gophers, Prairie Rabbits, Prairie Dogs and Bison |
| 4 | The Mediterranean Type | hot summer and, cool winter. Southern California | western Coastal margin and Southern California | Olive, Grapes and Orange, Cork, Oak, Walnut and Fig | Not much wildlife is found here |
| 5 | Desert Type | winter is cool and summer is hot. The rainfall is very little | southwest USA, Northern Mexico desert | Cactus, Saguaro Cholla Cacti and yucca | Desert Fox, Gazelles, Scorpions, Lizards and Rattle Snakes |
| 6 | Cool Temperate Deciduous Forests | summer is hot winter is mild and moderate rainfall. | florida, Gulf Coast southeast USA | Chestnut, Oak, and Poplar, Cypress | Foxes, Squirrels, Deer, Raccoon Rabbits, and Musk Ox |
| 7 | The Tropical rain forests | Temperature and rainfall varies on the basis of height. | southern Mexico, Central America and West Indies | Palms, logwood, Mahogany, Rubber and Cacao Trees | Monkeys and Snakes |
| 8 | Mountain Forests | temperature falls with rise in attitude. The rainfall received on the slopes varies. | rockies Mountain | Pine, Fir, Mosses and Lichens | Deer and Bear |
Agriculture
Though least proportion of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture. America's agriculture is most productive in the world. Extensive agriculture system is practiced in Canada and United Sates of America. Both Canada and United States of America are the major exporter of wheat than the other countries of the world. Wheat, Corn (Maize), Oats, Soybean, Barley and many other food crops are grow well in the vast interior plains.
Wheat
Wheat was introduced by European settlers in North America. It is grown extensively in the Prairies of North America. North America is the largest exporter of wheat. Vast wheat producing areas are called wheat belt.
Maize
It is the native food crop of North America which is the main staple food grains in Mexico. It is grown in southern Prairies. North America produces more than half of the world total Maize.
Barley and Oats
These are temperate crops which withstand cold climate and less water. Barley is grown in the United States and are produced in Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington. Barley and Oats are used as cattle fodder.
Cotton
Cotton grows well in Southern and Western States and it is dominated in Texas, California, Mississippi, South of the Prairies and the Mexico. Warm summer with frequent rainfall and fertile soil are favourable conditions for growth of cotton crop.
Sugar cane
Sugar cane is cultivated along the Gulf of Mexico, Parts of Central America and West Indies. It is an important Cash Crop of West Indies. Cuba is known as the "sugar bowl of the world" and it is the world's largest exporter of sugar.
Soya beans
It is raised in the same area where Maize is grown. It is used for extraction of edible oil.
Potatoes and Sugar beet
Prairie Region, North Dakota and Minnesota are the producers of Sugar Beets and Potatoes. Sugar beet is used for making Sugar. Potato and Sugar Beet are used to feed cattle and pigs.
Fruits
Mainly Citrus fruits are cultivated in Texas, California, Great Lakes regions and Saint Lawrence Valley. The important fruits of North America are Cranberries, Blueberries, Concord Grapes, Strawberries, Gooseberries and the other fruits.
Cattle rearing
Cattle rearing are carried on a commercial scale in the drier parts of the Prairies in the South Western part of the United States. Vast herds of Cattle and Sheep are kept on large Ranches. Richer pastures are used for cattle and poorer sparse pastures are used for sheep. North America is the largest producer of meat and about one fourth of the world production.
Dairy farming
Dairy farming refers to rearing cattle for milk. It is an important industry of United States of America and Canada. Dairy farming is found in the cooler and humid part of the Prairies, Great Lakes areas and north east region along the Atlantic coast. North America produces about 25 percent of the world total milk and dairy products.
Fisheries
Fishing is locally important in the seas around the continent. The Grand banks is one of the world's best fishing grounds. It is located in the island of Newfoundland in Canada. Here the meeting of Cold Labrador current and Warm Gulf Stream current provides suitable condition for fish to thrive. The cold Labrador Current brings plenty of plankton which provides food for fish. Cod, Herring, Mackerel, Salmon and Halibut are the major varieties of fish in North America.
Do You Know?
Grand Banks: The Grand Banks is among the world's largest and richest resource areas, renowned for both their valuable fish stocks and petroleum reserves.
Minerals
North America has rich mineral resources. North America is the leading producer of Iron Ore, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Copper, Silver, Sulphur, Zinc, Bauxite and Manganese. Lead and Uranium are the other important minerals. North America has vast deposit of Oil and Natural Gas. The United States, Canada and Mexico are among the world top Oil producers.
Important Minerals in North America
| Mineral | Area |
| Iron Ore | Canadian shield, Great Lake region, Appalachian Highlands, central Alabama, Minnesota's |
| Copper | Great lakes, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana and Rockies mountains, Ontario, British Columbia |
| Silver | Nevada, Utah, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec. |
| Gold | Canada –Ontario, Quebec United States of America – California, Colorado, Utah, Nevado. |
| Coal | Appalachians, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, Alberta and Columbia |
| Petroleum | United States of America Alaska to Texas Canada, Mexico |
| Oil and Natural Gas | Central low lands, Gulf coast Rockies, Appalachian, Alaska |
Industries
North America has plenty of resources and is needed for industrial development. Industries are highly concentrated in the north eastern part of the continent because of large minerals deposits like coal, iron ore etc., and good transportation network like roads, railways and canals. The United States is one of the most industrialized countries in the world. Industries contribute about 25 Percent of Gross National Product. The United State ranks first in Iron and Steel industry. They use the latest technology in developing their industries.
Major industries in North America
1. Iron and Steel Industry
The North American continent is the world's most important Iron and Steel industrial centre. Iron and Steel industries require Iron Ore, Coal and transportation. The important centres of the Iron and Steel industries in North America are Pittsburgh, Chicago and Birmingham in the United States and Hamilton in Canada.
2. Heavy Engineering Industries
Industries which require heavy and bulky raw materials using enormous amounts of power, involvement of huge investment and large transport costs are called heavy Engineering industries. These industries depend heavily on the Iron and Steel industry. The important Heavy Industries are automobile industries, aircraft industries, ship building industries, Railway Wagon industries and farm equipment industries. The United States of America is the largest producer of automobiles. The important Centres of heavy engineering industries are Detroit, Chicago, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Saint Louis, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Atlanta in United States of America and Windsor in Canada.
3. Wood Pulp and Paper Industry
About 50 per cent of the world's wood pulp and newsprint is produced by North America. Canada is the largest producer and exporter of all kinds of paper in the world. Paper industries are particularly concentrated in Ontario in Canada.
4. Textiles Industry
The textiles industry includes the manufacturing of all textiles like cotton, woolen, and synthetic. The United States is the largest producer of Cotton Textiles. The industries are mainly located in Texas. California, Arizona, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Toronto, Cornwell and Kingston are the major centres in Canada. Moreover, the cool and wet climate of the area is most suitable for spinning and weaving, as the yarn does not break frequently. The Woolen Textile industries are located in the east of the Alleghany Plateau. The New England region contains 70 percent woolen textile industries. North America is the second largest producer of synthetic fibers. Rayon and other synthetic fibers are made up of cellulose obtained from wood Pulp.
5. The Meat - Packing Industry
This is an important industry in Canada and United States of America where cattle rearing is done on a large scale in the Prairies. Chicago, Kansas City, Saint Louis in the United States and Calgary and Winnipeg in Canada are the important meat-packing centres.
Population
Most of the people in North America are descendants of settlers from other parts of the World. The first among them were, the Europeans, arrived in the 16th century. Today, the small groups of Native Americans that remain have their own territories and followed a traditional way of life.
Population distribution
The current population of North America as 364,446,736 in the year 2018. North America has about 4.77 percent of the total world's population. The largest country by land area is Canada. The largest city by population is Mexico City. The population density is about 20 persons per Square kilometers.
Population and Density of North America.
| Serial number | Country | Population (in Millions) | Density |
| 1. | United States | 327.16 | 30 persons |
| 2. | Canada | 36.95 | 3 persons |
| 3. | Mexico | 123.00 | 51 persons |
Densely populated areas: Eastern part of North America, Great Lakes region, Florida, California, Mexico and Central America are the mostly densely populated areas.
Moderate populated areas: Central part of United States, Central Highland, Highlands of Mexico, Central and western Canada are the Moderate populated areas.
Sparsely populated areas: Northern Canada, Alaska, Rocky Mountain regions and desert regions are sparsely populated areas.
Languages and Religions most of the people speak English, Spanish and French. Various faiths have been a major influence of culture, philosophy and law. Between them 80 Percent of the people follow Christianity. United States of America is known as "Melting Pot" where hundreds of different cultures meet, blend and creating a new culture.
Eskimos live in the very cold and inhospitable region where plenty of fish varieties are available. They were able to dress themselves in thick warm clothes made of fur, they live in igloos. Their lives were very simple and they could not alter the environment to any extent. They specially designed a house by ice and is known as igloos.
Transport
North America has developed a well designed network of roadways (freeways) railways, waterways and airways.
A) Roadways
North America especially United States of America and Canada have the best laid roadways in the world. They are made of Asphalt and Concrete roads can be used in all weather conditions. The Super Ways (or Free ways) make travelling easy and fast. The Pan American highway runs from Alaska in the far North west to Panama in the south.
B) Railways
North America is extensively served by an efficient network of railway. Trans Continental railways and Trans-Canadian railways are link the east and west coast of Canada and United States. Chicago has the biggest railway junction in the world. The New York railway junction is one of the busiest railway stations in the world.
C) Waterways
The Great Lakes region along Saint. Lawrence and Mississippi rivers are the most important inland waterway in North America. Quebec City, Montreal, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston and New Orleans are some of the important inland ports. New York is the most important port along the East coast. Vancouver and San Francisco are important ports on the West Coast of North America.
Do You Know?
Panama Canal: In 1914 a Canal was cut across the Isthmus of Panama for 80 kilo meter long which connects the Atlantic with Pacific Ocean. It greatly reduced the distance between Europe and the West Coast of North and South America.
D) Airways
Airways provide in valuable means of transport. All the cities and industrial centres in North America are linked by airways. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Toronto, Montreal and Mexico City are some of the international airports in North America.
Trade
North America exports a host of agricultural and industrial products. The main exports are Industrial Machinery, Automobile, Paper, Fish, Wheat, Bananas, Meat, Aircraft, Telecom Equipments, Chemical, Plastics, Fertilizers, Wood Pulp, Timber, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Aluminum, Nickel and Lead. The countries of North America Imports include Coffee Cocoa Sugar, Textiles, Iron ore and Electronics goods. The countries of Europe, Japan, China and India are the major trading partners.
B. South America
Next to Asia, Africa and North America, South America is the fourth largest country in the World. Most of the South American continent lies within the Southern Hemisphere and hence called as the "Southern Continent". The Isthmus of Panama in the North West connects South America with North America.
Do You Know?
Together with the Central America, South America is also known as Latin America, having been discovered and colonized mostly by the Latin's That is, The Spanish and the Portuguese.
Location
South America lies between 12° North to 55° South latitudes and 35° West to 81° West longitudes. The Equator (0° latitude) passes through the mouth of the Amazon River. The Tropic of Capricorn (23½° South longitude) passes through the Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. South America is inverted triangular shaped landmass. The area of the continent is 17.8 million Square kilometer., which occupies 12 percent of the world's land area.
Physiography
South America has marked resemblances in structure and relief of North America. South America has some of the oldest and the youngest rocks of the world. On the basis of topographical features, the continent may be divided into the following physiographic divisions:
• The Andes Mountains
• The River Basin or Central Plains
• The Eastern Highlands.
The Andes Mountains
The Andes are fold mountains like the Himalayas. This is the longest mountain range in the world and extends for more than 6,440 kilometers along the Pacific Coast. The highest peak in the Andes is Mount Aconcagua (an extinct volcano in Argentina border) which reaches at an elevation of 6,961m. In Chile, the mountains run very close to the coast. The slopes are steep on the western side and gentle on the eastern side like Rockies in North America. The Andes being a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire these places are subject to great volcanic eruption and earthquake activities. There are some active volcanoes like Mountain Cotopaxi (5,991 meters) on the Andes range. The Andes are rich in minerals like Copper, Tin and Precious Gems including Emeralds.
The River Basins (or the Central Plains)
Nearly half of the Continent is covered by the plains. Three great rivers drain into the Atlantic Ocean. The biggest of them is the Amazon. The Amazon basin consisting mainly of the alluvial deposits is the thickly forested part of the world. It is widest near the Andes and narrowest near the mouth of the Amazon River. The Orinoco basin is separated from the Amazon basin by low interfluves. It is also one of the most productive parts of the continent. The Parana - Paraguay plain is an ancient rocky surface covered with alluvial deposits and is rich in petroleum deposits.
The Eastern Highlands
These are considerably older than the Andes and are mainly Plateau which is cut by many rivers. They lies to the north and south of the Amazon River. The Guiana Highland is located in the northern part of the continent which has a number of waterfalls including the Angel Falls. The Brazilian Highlands are found to the south of the Amazon basin. They are gently rolling plateaus with steep cliffs along the east coast.
Climate
The climate of the continent of South America has been closely influenced by the latitudes, altitudes and the proximity of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is hot in the Amazon basin as the equator passes through it whereas Quito, situated almost on the same latitude on the Andes, has "Eternal Spring". That is, it has a pleasant climate throughout the year because of its high altitude at 9,350 feet (or 2849.88 meter) above the sea level. Most of South America regions have its summer from November to January. When it is quite hot in Brazil, Argentina has a relatively cooler climate because of its location in more southerly latitudes. The rainfall distribution is mainly controlled by the physical features and the distance from the sea. The trade winds bring a lot of rain to the east coast and the Westerlies to the west coast. However, the Amazon basin gets rainfall everyday because of its equatorial location. The regions around the Equator get what is called "4'o Clock Rains" which are convectional rains. Rainfall decreases towards the interior.
Do You Know?
In equatorial regions convectional rain occurs almost daily in the afternoons. It generally occurs at 4 PM that's why it is known as 4' o Clock Rain.
Drainage
Owing to the position of the Andes all the great rivers of the continent drain into the Atlantic. The Pacific streams are short and swift but along the coastlands of Peru their waters are used for irrigation and to some extent for hydro-electric power. Amazon is the longest river of South America (6,450 kilometer) and is the largest river system in the world. This river have over a thousand of tributaries. The rivers Rio Negro, Madeira and Tapajos are important tributaries. At the point where it enters the sea the river is so wide and powerful that it flows even at a distance of 80 km into the high seas. The Orinoco River originates in the Guiana Highlands and flows northwards into the Caribbean Sea. The river Paraguay has the Paraná and Uruguay rivers as the main tributaries which together form and known as the Platte River system. All the rivers are navigable for quite some distance in the interior.
Do You Know?
Amazon is the greatest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin.
Natural Vegetation
There are four main natural vegetation areas of South America and are the Amazon basin (the Selvas), the Eastern Highlands, the Gran Chaco and the slopes of the Andes. The Selvas of the equatorial regions are called the "lungs of the world". The Amazon rainforest are the largest of their kind in the world. They abound in hardwood trees such as mahogany and Ebony which are very valuable. The other common species are Rosewood Cinchona and a variety of Palm trees. The bark of the cinchona tree is used for making quinine - the drug to cure Malaria. The Amazon rainforest are gradually getting depleted. Various developmental activities such as construction of transportation lines, human settlements and agriculture have led to widespread deforestation. Environmentalist fear that this might lead to serious ecological disturbance in future. The Eastern Highlands have many varieties of trees which are of economic importance. The leaves of the Yerba Mate tree are used to make you tea - like drink. The Gran Chaco region has thick deciduous forests. An important hardwood tree found in these forests is the Quebracho Tree (axe breaker). Quebracho tree yields tannin which is used for tanning leather. The forests on the slopes of the Andes have coniferous such as pine, fir and spruce. These forests are also called Montana. They yield valuable softwood for the paper and pulp industry.
Wildlife
South America is blessed with a variety of wildlife. The dense forests, swamps and rivers of the Amazon basin are particularly rich in different species of animals, birds and reptiles. More than 1,500 types of birds are found in the continent. The Condor is the largest bird prey, Rhea is the flightless bird much like the ostrich of Africa. Toucans, Macaw, Hummingbirds, Flamingoes and different type of Parrots are also found here. The forest is home to a variety of monkeys. The spider monkeys, howler monkeys, owl monkeys and squirrel monkeys are very gentle. The Anaconda which is one of the largest snakes in the world is also found here. Ancient madammals such as anteaters and armadillos are found in South America. Llamas are animals typical found only in South America. The rivers of South America have a rich variety of fish. The Piranha found in the Amazon is a fierce flesh eating fish.
| Serial Number | Type of Forest | Climate | Region | Flora | Fauna |
| 1. | Equatorial Forest | Hot and wet climate throughout the year | Amazon Basin, North eastern Brazil and Coastal Columbia | Rubber, Mahogany, Ebony, Log wood, Brazil nuts and Ceiba | Anaconda, Armadillo, Piranha, Monkey, Snake, Crocodile and Parrots. |
| 2. | Temperate Forest | Mild and wet climate throughout the year | Southern Brazil, Southern Chile, Brazilian Highlands, Paraguay and Uruguay | Beech, Conifers, Parana Pines and Quebracho | White tailed Deer, Rraccoons, Opossums, Porcupines and Red Fox. |
| 3. | The Mediterranean Forest | Summer is hot and dry, Winter is mild and wet | South Atacama desert, Central Chile | Thorny Shrubs, Cactus, Evergreen Laurel and Acacia | Not much wildlife is found here. |
| 4. | The Savanna Grassland | Summer is hot and Moist, winter is cold and dry | Guiana Highlands, Brazilian highland, Northern Argentina and Paraguay | Tall coarse grass and Acacias | Capybara, Marshy Deer, White-bellied and Spider Monkey |
| 5 | The Pampas Grassland | Summer is quite warm, Winter is cold and moderate rainfall | North Eastern part of Argentina, Uruguay and Southernmost Brazil | Short grass | Rhea, Pampas Deer, Jaguar, Guanaco, Camel, Mule and Stag |
| 6. | The Desert | Summer is hot and winter is cold | Southern Argentina, Atacama desert, Southern Peru, Northern Chile and Northeast Brazil | Scrubs, Cactus, Scrubs, Cactus, Cacti, Lichens and Acacia, | Geckos and Iguana |
Agriculture
More than half of the people of South America live by farming. Subsistence farming is practiced in this continent. Most of areas are covered by forest like the Amazon basin. Only three countries, the Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil have well developed agriculture. Argentina is one of the leading agricultural countries of South America. The agricultural activities are mainly concentrated in the wet Pampas. The Geo - climatic condition of Pampas are ideal for agriculture. Wheat and Maize are grown on extensive forms in the Argentine Pampas. In the piedmonts of Andes, where rivers descend and the climate is favourable, the farmers concentrate on the agricultural vineyards and other citrus fruits. Cash crops like coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, banana, cotton etc., are also grown in this continent.
Wheat
The major wheat producers are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and the Chile. The Wheat is grown extensively on the Pampas of Argentina. Argentina is one of the largest producer and exporter of wheat in the world.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane has been cultivated in the humid tropics of South America. Spanish and Portuguese introduced sugarcane to the West Indies and Brazil. Brazil is the largest producer of sugar in South America.
Maize
Maize is also known as corn. Maize is grown in the warmer part of the Pampas and coastal regions of Brazil and in some parts of the Amazon basin. It requires warm climate and frequent showers in summer. Argentina is one of the largest producer and exporter of maize in the world.
Coffee and Cocoa
Coffee and Cocoa are the most important crops of South America. These crops need a warm temperature with frequent heavy rainfall and well-drained soil. They grow well in the red soil of the Brazilian Highland. Brazil is essentially an agrarian country. Brazil stands first in the production of Coffee and third in Cocoa in the world. Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo are the important Coffee growing areas in Brazil. It is also known as the "coffee pot" of the world. Colombia and Venezuela also grow large quantities of coffee. Coco is also grown in Ecuador and Colombia.
Cotton
Cotton is another important cash crop of South America. Warm climate with frequent rainfall provides suitable condition for growing cotton. Cotton is the second most important crop in Brazil. Sao Paulo State produces half of the Country's total cotton. Equator, Venezuela and Peru are the other important cotton growing countries in South America.
Barley, Rye and Oats
These are grown extensively in the Pampas. Barley is a member of the grass family and is a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates. Oats are grown in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Andean region, highlands of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. In most countries Oats are more important as fodder for livestock in the field.
Animal rearing
Animal rearing is an important activity in South America. The Llanos and Campos in South America are the extensive Tropical Grasslands. Beef cattle are raised in Pampas in Argentina. Here cattles are mainly raised for draught purposes and meat. Llano grassland are found in the basin of Orinoco of Venezuela, Brazil and Columbia. Here most of the cattle are of Criollo breed well suited to the climatic conditions. Cattles are fed on alfalfa and the breeds raised here on large pasturelands known as "Estancias". Sheep are reared in the drier parts of South America. The temperate grasslands of Tierra Del Fuego and Falkland Islands are well suited for Sheep grazing. Argentina and Uruguay are the important sheep rearing countries. Argentina is one of the largest exporters of beef in the world.
Estancias The Breeds raised on large pasture lands is known as Estancias. These are divided into several paddocks. Besides this, there are small yards known as corrals where animals are sorted and branded. The owner is the Estanciera who has a number of gauchos.
Fisheries
Peru is one of the world's largest producers of tropical fish. Here the cool Humboldt Current helps to bring plankton, which is the main food for fishes. Commercial deep sea fishing off of Peru's coastal belt of over 3000 kilometer. Peruvian waters normally abound with sword fish, mackerel, yellow fin, pompano and shark. More than 50 species are caught commercially. There are over 40 fishing ports on the Peruvian coast. Paita and Callao are being the most important centers in Peru. Besides coastal fishing inland fishing are also carried out in South America. River Amazon is a great aquarium. As many as 750 varieties of fish inhabit this river.
Minerals
South America is rich in minerals. These mineral deposits are unevenly distributed. South America has many valuable deposits of minerals particularly of iron ore, manganese, petroleum, copper and bauxite. There are some active mines producing silver and gold. The continent has little coal which is still one of the mainstays of industrial economies. Northern Chile has the world's only natural deposits of sodium nitrate an important ingredient of fertilizers.
Iron ore
South America contains about one fifth of the world's iron ore reserves. Brazil and Chile both have massive deposits of iron ore. Brazil has the second largest iron ore deposits in the world after Russia. Brazil is estimated to have about 15 Percent of the world export of iron ore. High grade iron ore has long been mined at Itabira, Minas Gerais and new site in the Carajas.
Manganese
Brazil also has large deposits of Manganese. Manganese ore is mined at Lafaiete, Minas Gerais and in the Northern State of Amapa.
Petroleum
Venezuela is rich in petroleum deposits. Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Bolivia are the other valuable oilfields. Petroleum is the only mineral produced in substantial quantity. Argentina is almost self-sufficient in petroleum. Venezuela is one of the world's leading producers of oil and largest oil exporter outside the Middle East.
Copper
Chile is the third largest producer of copper in the world. Copper provides over 40 Percent of exports by value. Some of the biggest copper mines of the world are located in Peru. It is found in the Atacama Desert.
Bauxite
Brazil is the third largest bauxite producing country. An important bauxite mining centre is located near the mouth of the Amazon River. Bauxite is used for aluminium production.
Industries
Industries in South America have developed slowly Argentina, Brazil and Chile are the most highly developed industrial countries in this continent. Until World War I, the continent exported most of its mining production and large amount of minerals particularly Petroleum, Copper and iron are still exported. The continent lacks infrastructure (especially transport) which is an essential need for Industrialisation. Railways and the roads could not be developed sufficiently owing to a rugged terrain. The Amazon and the La Plata rivers, provide cheap water transport. In spite of having an abundance of natural resources, industrialisation started quite late in South America. Recently, new industries are being set up with locally available raw materials. Brazil is the most industrialized country in the continent followed by Argentina.
| Serial number | Country | Industries |
| 1 | Brazil | Iron and steel, cotton textiles, sugar, food processing, oil refining, chemicals and automobiles |
| 2 | Argentina | Meat processing and Canning, dairy products, food processing, leather processing, woolen textiles, sugar and oil refining |
| 3 | Chile | Oil refining, chemical fertilizers and copper smelting |
| 4 | Peru | Mining and the processing of minerals, chemicals, fertilizers, sugar, coffee and wool textiles |
| 5 | Uruguay | Dairy products, meat processing and woolen textiles |
| 6 | Venezuela | Oil refining, chemical fertilizers and copper smelting |
Trade
South America has significant role in the world trade. More than half of the South America's trades are shared by Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Peru and Chile. South America's major exports are mostly primary commodities such as sugar, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, beef, corn, wheat, petroleum, natural gas, linseed, cotton, iron ore, tin and copper. South America's products include mostly exported to North America and Europe. Its imports are machinery, vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paper are textiles. These are imported from North America and Europe.
Transport
Unlike North America, South America still does not have an adequately integrated transportation network. Significant efforts have been made to improve both the connection within the countries and the linkages between them.
Roadways
South America has an extensive and rapidly expanding network of roads. In many countries, however only a relatively small percentage of roads are paved and the most remote areas, they may be barely wide enough for two Vehicles to pass easily. A Road linking Venezuela and Brazil allows north to south movement through the Amazon Basin. Brazil continues to have the largest network of roads belonging to the Pan American Highway System which extends throughout the America's.
Railways
In most South American countries, railways have lost their dominant position of the major mode of transportation and have been replaced by the road networks that have developed rapidly since the 1960's. Moreover, rail transport is plagued by operational problems as well as by obsolete equipment. Almost all lines are single-tracked which makes traffic slow and discourages passenger service. Many countries have two or more track gauges which impedes the efficient integration of the rails system.
Waterways
Seaways have long been a vital component of the transport systems of South American countries. Majority of imports and exports to and from the continent are moved by ship. South America has a number of outstanding natural harbours. They are Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Montevideo and Valparaiso. Several countries such as Chile and Brazil are making a determined effort to develop and enlarge their sea routes. There are two inland waterways system of international importance. They are (1) The Paraguay - Uruguay basin which includes territory in four countries and (2) The Amazon basin which includes six countries. Each has several thousand miles of navigable waterways.
Airways
Airways have developed rapidly since World War 2. The increase is particularly significant with respect to passenger traffic and also handling of bulky freights. All the South America capitals and most of the large cities are linked by direct air services to the major traffic centres of the United States and Europe.
Population
South America contains the world's most mixed population. Many people in South America are descended from European, especially the Spanish and Portuguese, who begin to arrive during the 15th century. The descendants of African slaves brought over by the Europeans. Native people still live in the mountain and the rainforests and keeping their own languages and traditions. There are three major races found in South America and are (1) American Indian, (2) European and (3) Blacks. The mixed population of Native Indians and Europeans is known as 'Mestizo'. The mixed population of European and the Blacks is called 'Mulato' and the mixture of Native Indians and Blacks is called 'Zambo'. The current population of South America is 429, 115, 060 (42.25 cores). Population density of South America is 21 persons per square kilometer. South America is positioned 5th rank in total population among the continents.
Population distribution
High densely populated areas are Guiana, Venezuela, Suriname, Columbia, Brazil and Peru.
Moderate populated areas are Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay and
Sparsely populated areas are Argentina, Bolivia and Amazon Basin.
Languages and Religions
Portuguese and Spanish are the primary languages of the South America. Among other languages used by many South Americans are Dutch, French, English, German and Hindi. Christianity is the dominant religion in South America. Other than Christianity, Hinduism and Islam are also followed by South Americans.
Do You Know?
South American nations have variety of music. Some of the most famous genres include Samba from Brazil, Tango from Argentina and Uruguay and Cumbia from Colombia.
North America and South America
| Serial Number | Features | North America | South America |
| 1. | Geographical extent | 7° North to 84° North latitude and 53° West to 180° West longitude. | 12° North to 55° South latitude and 35° West to 81° West longitude. |
| 2. | Major countries | Canada, United States of America, Mexico | Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela |
| 3. | Smallest country | Grenada | Suriname |
| 4. | Highest point | Mount McKinley | Cerro Aconcagua (Andes Mountains) |
| 5. | Surrounding water bodies | Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico. | Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Southern Ocean. |
| 6. | Major rivers | Mississippi River, Missouri River, Colorado River, Rio Grande, Yukon River | Amazon, Parana, Madeira, Tocantins, Orinoco |
| 7. | Largest lake | Lake Superior | Lake Maracaibo |
| 8. | Major deserts | Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts | Atacama deserts, Patagonian, deserts |
| 9. | Major animals | Brown bear, bald eagle, humming bird, bullfrog, beaver, red cockaded woodpecker, red fox, bison | Llama, anaconda, anteater, agouti, armadillo and chinchilla |
| 10. | Major crops grown | Maize, wheat, soyabean | Wheat maize, rice, potato |
| 11 | Major language spoken | English, Spanish, French | Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, French |
Wrap Up
North America is the third largest continent next to Asia and Africa. It is divided into four physical divisions. The vast latitudinal extent from the tropics to the Polar Regions makes the climate of North America as varied as that of Asia. North America is endowed with a diverse and extensive forest cover. Approximately 30 percentage of the total land area is under forest cover. Wheat, Corn (Maize), Oats, Soybean, Barley and many other food crops are grown throughout the vast interior plains of North America. North America is the leading producer of Iron Ore, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Copper, Silver, Sulphur, Zinc, Bauxite and Manganese. United States of America is known as "Melting Pot" where hundreds of different cultures meet, blend and creating a new culture.
Next to Asia, Africa and North America South America is the fourth largest country in the World. It is divided into three physical divisions. The climate of the continent of South America has been closely influenced by the latitudes, and the proximity of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. There are four main natural vegetation areas of South America and are the Amazon basin (the Selvas), the Eastern Highlands, the Gran Chaco and the slopes of the Andes. Wheat, Sugarcane, Maize, coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, banana, cotton etc., are grown in South American continent. South America has many valuable deposits of minerals particularly of iron ore, manganese, petroleum, copper and bauxite. Portuguese and Spanish are the primary languages of the South America.
Glossary
1. Isthmus A narrow stretch of land joining two large land masses நிலச்சந்தி 2. Strait A narrow stretch of water joining two large water bodies நீர்ச்சந்தி 3. Cellulose Obtained from wood Pulp மரக்கூழ் 4. Prairies A temperate grassland of North America பிரெய்ரி புல்வெளி 5. Igloos The specially designed a house by ice இக்லூ (எஸ்கிமோக்களின் வீடு) 6. The Pacific Ring of Fire These places are subject to great volcanic eruption and earthquake activities பசிபிக் நெருப்பு வளையம் 7. Selvas A tract of land covered by dense equatorial forest in the Amazon basin. மழைக் காடுகள் 8. Pampas A temperate grassland of South America பாம்பாஸ் 9. 4'o Clock Rain In equatorial regions, convectional rain occurs at 4 PM நான்கு மணி மழை 10. Estancias The Breeds raised on large pasture lands செம்மறி ஆட்டுப் பண்ணை Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. The _____ separates North America from Asia
a) Bering Strait b) Palk Strait c) Malacca Strait d) Gibraltar straits
2. _____ is known as the "sugar bowl of the world"
a) Mexico b) United States of America c) Canada d) Cuba
3. _____ are the longest rivers in North America
a) The Mississippi and Missouri rivers b) The Mackenzie river c) The Saint Lawrence river d) The Colorado river
4. _____ is the longest mountain chain in the world.
a) The Andes b) The Rockies c) The Himalayas d) The Alps
5. _____ basin gets rainfall every day because of its equatorial location
a) The Mackenzie b) The Orinoco c) The Amazon d) The Paraná Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks
1. 86 meter below the sea level is the lowest part of the continent of North America.
2. is one of the world's best fishing grounds.
3. The highest peak in the Andes is on the Chile - Argentina border.
4. of the equatorial regions are called the "lungs of the world".
5. is also known as the "coffee pot" of the world.
Exercise 3. Match the following
| 1. Mount McKinley | |
| 2. Grand Canyon | |
| 3. Ebony | |
| 4. 4'o Clock Rains | |
| 5. Rhea | |
Options: 6194 meter, The Colorado River, Tropical forests, The equatorial regions, The flightless bird
Exercise 4. Give Reasons
1. The eastern coast of North America particularly USA enjoys mild climate.
2. United States of America is known as "Melting Pot".
3. Though Quito and Amazon basin are in the same latitude Quito enjoys eternal Spring. Whereas Amazon basin is hot.
4. Peru is one of the world's largest producers of tropical fish.
Exercise 5. Distinguish between
1. The Rocky mountain and the Appalachian mountain.
2. The Prairies and the Pampas grassland.
3. Tundra and Taiga.
Exercise 6. Put (√) for the correct option
1. Assertion (A): Cotton grows well in southern and western states of North America.
Reason (R): Warm summer with frequent rainfall and fertile soil which provide favourable condition.
a) Both A and R is correct. b) A is correct and R is wrong. c) A is wrong and R is correct. d) Both A and R is wrong
2. Assertion (A): Industries in the South America has developed rapidly.
Reason (R): The continent lacks infrastructure (especially transport) need for industrialization.
a) Both A and R are correct. b) A is correct and R is wrong. c) A is wrong and R is correct. d) Both A and R are wrong Exercise 7. Answer the following
1. Name the boundaries of North America.
2. Write a note on Mackenzie River.
3. What type of fruits are cultivated in North America? Name some of them.
4. Give a short note about the lifestyle of an Eskimos.
5. Which are the densely populated areas of North America?
6. Name the physiographic divisions of South America.
7. What is called "4'o clock rains"?
8. Name the flora and fauna of equatorial forest in South America.
9. What is known as "Estancias"?
10. Name the major export of South America.
Exercise 8. Answer the following in a paragraph
1. Give an account of the climate of North America.
2. Describe the Heavy Engineering Industries in North America.
3. Describe the drainage system in South America.
4. Write briefly about the major races in South America.
Exercise 9. Map skill
1. With the help of the map given in the text and an atlas, name the seas and bays in North America.
2. Mark the rivers Amazon, Orinoco, Negro, Paraguay, Uruguay on a map of South America.
Exercise 10. Activity
1. Given below are some important cities with industries placed in brackets. Pick out the correct answer from them.
a) Pittsburgh (Textile, Iron and steel, Shipping)
b) Chicago (Meat Packing, Woolen textile, Heavy Engineering)
c) Ontario (Automobile, Paper, Cement)
d) Chile (Oil refinery, Sugar, Cotton textile)
e) Uruguay (Leather processing, Copper smelting, Daily products)
2. Write down the answers to the question given in blocks:
a) Name the highest peak in South America.
b) An active volcano in South America.
c) The combined Parana and Paraguay rives.
d) The highest falls in the world.
e) The largest river in the world.
References
1. World Geography, Alka Gautham, (2013), Sharda Pustak Bhawan, Allahabad-211002.
2. Purnell's concise Encyclopedia of Geography – C.J. Turnney, (1984), Little Hampton Book Services Ltd, United Kingdom.
3. The World Geography by Time life (1999), United States of America.
4. The illustrated Encyclopedia of Geography, (2005), Pentagon Press, United States of America.
5. A Dictionary of Geography, Mayhew Susan, (2015), Oxford University Press, United Kingdom
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the correct answer
1. The _____ separates North America from Asia
a) Bering Strait b) Palk Strait c) Malacca Strait d) Gibraltar straits
Answer: a) Bering Strait
Explanation: The Bering Strait separates North America from Asia as mentioned in the chapter text.
2. _____ is known as the "sugar bowl of the world"
a) Mexico b) United States of America c) Canada d) Cuba
Answer: d) Cuba
Explanation: Cuba is known as the "sugar bowl of the world" and it is the world's largest exporter of sugar.
3. _____ are the longest rivers in North America
a) The Mississippi and Missouri rivers b) The Mackenzie river c) The Saint Lawrence river d) The Colorado river
Answer: a) The Mississippi and Missouri rivers
Explanation: The Mississippi and Missouri rivers are the longest rivers in North America and together they form the fourth longest river system in the world.
4. _____ is the longest mountain chain in the world.
a) The Andes b) The Rockies c) The Himalayas d) The Alps
Answer: a) The Andes
Explanation: The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world and extends for more than 6,440 kilometers along the Pacific Coast.
5. _____ basin gets rainfall every day because of its equatorial location
a) The Mackenzie b) The Orinoco c) The Amazon d) The Paraná
Answer: c) The Amazon
Explanation: The Amazon basin gets rainfall everyday because of its equatorial location.
2. Fill in the blanks
1. _____ 86meter below the sea level is the lowest part of the continent of North America.
Answer: Death valley
2. _____ is one of the world's best fishing grounds.
Answer: Grand Banks
3. The highest peak in the Andes is _____ on the Chile - Argentina border.
Answer: Mount Aconcagua
4. _____ of the equatorial regions are called the "lungs of the world".
Answer: The Selvas
5. _____ is also known as the "coffee pot" of the world.
Answer: Brazil
3. Match the following
3. Match the following
| 1. Mount McKinley | – Tropical forests |
| 2. Grand Canyon | – The flightless bird |
| 3. Ebony | – The Colorado River |
| 4. 4'o Clock Rains | – 6194 meter |
| 5. Rhea | – The equatorial regions |
Answers: 1-6194 meter, 2-The Colorado River, 3-Tropical forests, 4-The equatorial regions, 5-The flightless bird
4. Give Reasons
1. The eastern coast of North America particularly USA enjoys mild climate.
Answer: The warm Alaskan Current keeps the North West coast ice free and provides mild climate to the eastern coast of North America.
2. United States of America is known as "Melting Pot".
Answer: United States of America is known as "Melting Pot" where hundreds of different cultures meet, blend and creating a new culture.
3. Though Quito and Amazon basin are in the same latitude Quito enjoys eternal Spring. Whereas Amazon basin is hot.
Answer: Though both are at the same latitude, Quito has "Eternal Spring" with pleasant climate throughout the year because of its high altitude at 9,350 feet above sea level, while Amazon basin is hot as the equator passes through it.
4. Peru is one of the world's largest producers of tropical fish.
Answer: Peru is one of the world's largest producers of tropical fish because the cool Humboldt Current helps to bring plankton, which is the main food for fishes.
5. Distinguish between
1. The Rocky mountain and the Appalachian mountain.
Answer: The Rocky Mountains are young folded mountains in the west with long ranges extending for about 4800 km, while the Appalachian Highlands are old fold mountains that are worn down by weathering, much lower than the Western highlands and do not form a continuous chain.
2. The Prairies and the Pampas grassland.
Answer: Prairies are temperate grasslands of North America found in the central plains, while Pampas are temperate grasslands of South America located in northeastern part of Argentina, Uruguay and southernmost Brazil with ideal geo-climatic conditions for agriculture.
3. Tundra and Taiga.
Answer: Tundra has climate where winter is long and severely cold, summer is short and cool with scanty rainfall, found in northern coast of Canada with mosses, lichens and dwarf willows. Taiga has climate where winter is very cold, summer is warm and short with heavy snowfall, found in south central Alaska and northeastern Canada with Pine, Fir, Cedar and Spruce trees.
6. Put (√) for the correct option
1. Assertion (A): Cotton grows well in southern and western states of North America. Reason (R): Warm summer with frequent rainfall and fertile soil which provide favourable condition.
a) Both A and R is correct. b) A is correct and R is wrong. c) A is wrong and R is correct. d) Both A and R is wrong
Answer: a) Both A and R is correct.
2. Assertion (A): Industries in the South America has developed rapidly. Reason (R): The continent lacks infrastructure especially transport need for industrialization.
a) Both A and R are correct. b) A is correct and R is wrong. c) A is wrong and R is correct. d) Both A and R are wrong
Answer: d) Both A and R are wrong
7. Answer the following
1. Name the boundaries of North America.
Answer: North America is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in the West, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, Arctic Ocean in the north and South America in the south.
2. Write a note on Mackenzie River.
Answer: The Mackenzie River is the second largest drainage basin of North America. It has its source from Great Slave Lake and drains into Arctic Ocean.
3. What type of fruits are cultivated in North America? Name some of them.
Answer: Mainly Citrus fruits are cultivated in Texas, California, Great Lakes regions and Saint Lawrence Valley. The important fruits are Cranberries, Blueberries, Concord Grapes, Strawberries, Gooseberries and other fruits.
4. Give a short note about the lifestyle of an Eskimos.
Answer: Eskimos live in the very cold and inhospitable region where plenty of fish varieties are available. They dress themselves in thick warm clothes made of fur, they live in igloos. Their lives were very simple and they could not alter the environment to any extent. They specially designed a house by ice known as igloos.
5. Which are the densely populated areas of North America?
Answer: Eastern part of North America, Great Lakes region, Florida, California, Mexico and Central America are the mostly densely populated areas.
6. Name the physiographic divisions of South America.
Answer: The continent may be divided into three physiographic divisions: The Andes Mountains, The River Basin or Central Plains, and The Eastern Highlands.
7. What is called "4'o clock rains"?
Answer: In equatorial regions convectional rain occurs almost daily in the afternoons. It generally occurs at 4 Post Meridiem that's why it is known as 4' o Clock Rain.
8. Name the flora and fauna of equatorial forest in South America.
Answer: Flora includes Rubber, Mahogany, Ebony, Log wood, Brazil nuts and Ceiba. Fauna includes Anaconda, Armadillo, Piranha, Monkey, Snake, Crocodile and Parrots.
9. What is known as "Estancias"?
Answer: The Breeds raised on large pasture lands is known as Estancias. These are divided into several paddocks with small yards known as corrals where animals are sorted and branded.
10. Name the major export of South America.
Answer: South America's major exports are sugar, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, beef, corn, wheat, petroleum, natural gas, linseed, cotton, iron ore, tin and copper.
8. Answer the following in a paragraph
1. Give an account of the climate of North America.
Answer: The vast latitudinal extend from the Tropical region to the Polar Regions makes the climate of North America as varied as that of Asia. Unlike the Himalayas, the Rockies run north to south which do not act as a climatic barrier and cannot prevent the icy winds from the Arctic region. The central plains have extreme climate with freezing conditions in winter and tropical heat in summer. The Arctic region is cold and mostly dry with a very long bitterly cold winter. The warm moist South Westerlies bring rainfall to the North West coast and also keep it warm.
2. Describe the Heavy Engineering Industries in North America.
Answer: Industries which require heavy and bulky raw materials using enormous amounts of power, involvement of huge investment and large transport costs are called heavy Engineering industries. These industries depend heavily on the Iron and Steel industry. The important Heavy Industries are automobile industries, aircraft industries, ship building industries, Railway Wagon industries and farm equipment industries. The United States of America is the largest producer of automobiles. The important Centres are Detroit, Chicago, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Saint Louis, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Atlanta in United States of America and Windsor in Canada.
3. Describe the drainage system in South America.
Answer: Owing to the position of the Andes all the great rivers of the continent drain into the Atlantic. Amazon is the longest river of South America (6,450 kilometer) and is the largest river system in the world with over a thousand tributaries. The Orinoco River originates in the Guiana Highlands and flows northwards into the Caribbean Sea. The river Paraguay has the Paraná and Uruguay rivers as the main tributaries which together form the Platte River system. All the rivers are navigable for quite some distance in the interior.
4. Write briefly about the major races in South America.
Answer: There are three major races found in South America: American Indian, European and Blacks. Many people are descended from European, especially the Spanish and Portuguese, who begin to arrive during the 15th century. The descendants of African slaves were brought over by the Europeans. The mixed population of Native Indians and Europeans is known as 'Mestizo'. The mixed population of European and the Blacks is called 'Mulato' and the mixture of Native Indians and Blacks is called 'Zambo'.
📝 Summary
- North and South America are called the "new world" because they were discovered in the late fifteenth century, with North America discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 while searching for a sea route to India.
- North America lies between 7° North and 84° North latitude entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, extends from 53° West to 180° West longitude, covers about 24,709,000 square kilometers (16.50% of Earth's land area), and has seven time zones.
- The continent is bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the west, Atlantic Ocean in the east, Arctic Ocean in the north, and South America in the south, with the Bering Strait separating it from Asia and the Isthmus of Panama connecting it to South America.
- North America is the third largest continent with three major countries - Canada (largest), United States of America, and Mexico - plus seven smaller Central American countries including Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Belize.
- The continent has great physical diversity with Mount McKinley as the highest peak at 6194 meters above sea level, Death Valley as the lowest point at 86 meters below sea level, and four major physical divisions: Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Appalachian Highlands, and Coastal Plain.