Atlantic South America (Ch. 16) / 7th Grade

A cowboy from Argentina is called a gaucho. The term gaucho refers to a skilled horseman and cattle herder that is commonly associated with the grasslands of Argentina, known as the Pampas. The gauchos played a significant role in the country's history and culture, embodying a sense of independence, bravery, and ruggedness. They are known for their distinctive attire, including wide-brimmed hats, ponchos, and leather boots, as well as their expertise in horsemanship and cattle handling.

Favelas are large slums in urban areas of Brazil. These areas are characterized by overcrowded and impoverished conditions, with makeshift housing and limited access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare. The term "favela" originated from a hill in Rio de Janeiro that was occupied by soldiers returning from the Canudos War in the late 19th century. Over time, the term came to represent the informal settlements that emerged in urban areas across Brazil. Favelas are a significant social issue in Brazil, highlighting the country's economic inequality and challenges in providing adequate housing for its population.

An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water where salty seawater and freshwater mix. It is typically formed where a river meets the sea, creating a unique and dynamic ecosystem. The mixing of saltwater and freshwater in an estuary creates a brackish environment that supports a diverse range of plant and animal species. Estuaries are important habitats for many species, including migratory birds, fish, and shellfish, and they also serve as nurseries for juvenile fish and other marine organisms.

Soil exhaustion occurs when repeated planting of the same crop causes the soil to lose the nutrients needed by plants. This happens because the continuous cultivation of a single crop depletes the specific nutrients that the crop requires, leading to a decrease in soil fertility. As a result, the soil becomes unable to support healthy plant growth and productivity. This is why crop rotation and other sustainable farming practices are important to prevent soil exhaustion and maintain the long-term health of agricultural land.

Roman Catholicism is the major religion in Brazil. This is because Brazil has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world, with approximately 64% of the population identifying as Catholic. The country was colonized by Portugal, a predominantly Catholic nation, which led to the spread and dominance of Catholicism in Brazil. The influence of Catholicism can be seen in various aspects of Brazilian culture, including festivals, holidays, and traditions. While there is religious diversity in Brazil, with other religions such as Protestantism also having a significant presence, Roman Catholicism remains the dominant and most widely practiced religion in the country.

The statement is true because mestizos refer to people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry, and Paraguay has a predominantly mestizo population. The term "mestizo" is commonly used to describe the ethnic composition of Paraguay, where the majority of the population has mixed European and indigenous heritage. Therefore, it can be concluded that 95% of Paraguay people are mestizos.

Paraguay's wealth being controlled by a few rich families and companies is a statement that suggests a high level of income inequality in the country. This means that a small group of individuals or entities hold a significant portion of the country's wealth, while the majority of the population may have limited access to resources and opportunities. This situation can have various social and economic implications, such as limited social mobility and unequal distribution of resources.

The correct answer is southeast. The southeast region of Brazil, which includes the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, is the country's richest and most populated region. It is home to major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as important economic and industrial centers. The region's strong economy, developed infrastructure, and urbanization contribute to its wealth and population density.

Brasilia is the correct answer because it is the present-day capital of Brazil. In 1960, the capital was moved from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in order to promote development in the interior of the country. Brasilia was purposefully designed and built to be the capital, with its modernist architecture and urban planning. It is located in the Federal District and serves as the political and administrative center of Brazil.

Most of Argentina's industry is located in Buenos Aires. As the capital and largest city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is a major economic hub and home to numerous industries. It has a diverse range of industries including manufacturing, finance, technology, and services. The city's strategic location, infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it an attractive destination for businesses and investors. Additionally, Buenos Aires is also a major transportation and logistics hub, further supporting its industrial development.

The given statement states that 90% of Uruguay people live in urban areas. This means that the majority of the population in Uruguay resides in cities rather than rural areas. Therefore, the correct answer is True.

The given statement is "Uruguay has a low literacy rate." The correct answer is "False." This means that Uruguay does not have a low literacy rate.

The statement is true because the Andes Mountains do indeed extend north-south along Argentina's border with Chile. The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 kilometers. They form a natural boundary between the two countries and are a prominent geographical feature in South America.

Mercosur is the correct answer because it is a trade organization that promotes economic cooperation among its members in southern and eastern South America. It was established in 1991 and currently consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay as full members, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname as associate members. Mercosur aims to foster regional integration, facilitate trade, and promote economic development among its member countries.

The Amazon rainforest does not include Cordoba and Sao Paulo because these two cities are not located within the boundaries of the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon rainforest is primarily located in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, while Cordoba is a city in Argentina and Sao Paulo is a city in Brazil, but outside of the Amazon rainforest region.

Brazilians celebrate Carnival before the Christian season because Carnival is a festive period that occurs before Lent, which is the Christian season of fasting and preparation for Easter. Carnival is a time of celebration, music, dancing, and colorful parades, and it is meant to be a period of indulgence before the more solemn and reflective season of Lent begins. Therefore, it is true that Brazilians celebrate Carnival before the Christian season.

The official language of Argentina is Spanish. This is because Spanish was brought to Argentina by the Spanish colonizers during the colonial period, and it has since become the dominant language spoken by the majority of the population. Spanish is also recognized as the official language in the Argentine Constitution and is widely used in government, education, media, and everyday life in Argentina.

The correct answer is an elected president and an elected legislature. This answer accurately reflects the current government structure in Argentina. The country operates under a democratic system where the president is elected by the people and holds executive power, while the legislature consists of elected representatives who make laws and govern the country. This system ensures that the government is accountable to the people and promotes a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

The correct answer is encomienda. The encomienda system was a Spanish colonial system in which the Spanish monarch granted land and the labor of indigenous people to colonists. The colonists were responsible for protecting and converting the indigenous people to Christianity, while the indigenous people were required to provide labor and tribute to the colonists. This system was a form of forced labor and exploitation of indigenous populations during the colonial period.

The Parana river drains most of the region, referring to the Amazon basin. The Parana river is one of the longest rivers in South America and plays a significant role in the drainage system of the region. It flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, and its extensive network of tributaries helps to drain a large portion of the Amazon basin. Therefore, the presence of the Parana river in the blank space would accurately complete the sentence.

The northeast region is considered Brazil's poorest region. This is because it has a high poverty rate and lacks economic development compared to other regions in the country. The northeast region faces challenges such as drought, limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of infrastructure. These factors contribute to the region's lower economic opportunities and overall lower living standards compared to other regions in Brazil.

Brazil has the largest economy and population of any country in Atlantic South America. With its vast land area and diverse natural resources, Brazil has emerged as a major economic power in the region. Its population of over 200 million people also contributes to its status as the most populous country in Atlantic South America. Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, while significant countries in their own right, do not have the same level of economic and population size as Brazil.

The climate that is NOT found in Atlantic South America is the steppe climate. Atlantic South America is known for having mainly humid subtropical, highland, and humid tropical climates. The steppe climate is typically found in regions with low rainfall and limited vegetation, which is not characteristic of the climate in Atlantic South America.

Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil from 1822 until 1960. This means that for a period of 138 years, Rio de Janeiro served as the political and administrative center of the country. During this time, important events in Brazilian history, such as the declaration of independence and the establishment of the republic, took place in Rio de Janeiro. In 1960, the capital was officially moved to Brasília, a newly built city designed to be the country's capital.

After the 1500s, the Portuguese began to move into Brazil. This can be attributed to the arrival of Portuguese explorers, most notably Pedro Álvares Cabral, who claimed the land for Portugal in 1500. The Portuguese were motivated by the prospect of exploiting Brazil's resources, particularly its vast reserves of valuable wood and the potential for sugar cultivation. They established colonies and brought enslaved Africans to work on plantations, leading to the eventual colonization and domination of Brazil by the Portuguese.

Approximately 95% of people in Paraguay are mestizos. This means that the majority of the population in Paraguay is of mixed European and Indigenous American descent. This high percentage suggests a significant blending of cultures and ethnicities in the country, which is likely due to historical factors such as colonization and migration.

The correct answer is migrants from Asia. This is because there is evidence to suggest that the first people to settle in Brazil were a group of migrants from Asia, specifically from the Pacific Islands. Archaeological findings have revealed similarities between artifacts found in Brazil and those found in Asia, supporting the theory that these migrants were the first to establish communities in Brazil. Additionally, genetic studies have shown genetic links between indigenous populations in Brazil and populations in Asia.

The Paraguay River separates Paraguay into two regions and runs past its capital. This river plays a significant role in the geography and transportation of the country. It acts as a natural boundary, dividing Paraguay into the eastern region, known as "Eastern Paraguay," and the western region, known as "Chaco." The Paraguay River also flows through the capital city, Asunción, making it an important waterway for trade and commerce.

During the 1800s, the Argentine Government was responsible for the killings of the Argentine Indians in the Pampas. This suggests that the government played a significant role in the violence and oppression against the indigenous population during that time. The other options, such as English, Spanish, and Gauchos, do not directly imply responsibility for the killings of the Argentine Indians.

The statement suggests that Uruguay has created an electricity surplus with their hydroelectric power. However, the correct answer is False. This means that Uruguay has not created an electricity surplus with their hydroelectric power.