Geo 200 Module 2 Quiz

The trade winds are air movements from the tropics to the equator. These winds are caused by the spinning of the Earth and are dragged in an east to west flow. As the Earth rotates from west to east, the trade winds are deflected towards the west, creating a consistent east to west flow. This flow is important for navigation and has been historically used by sailors for trade routes across the oceans.

The given correct answer states that all of the options provided are shared characteristics of most Latin American countries. This means that Latin American countries do have a common experience of colonialism, dominance of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, religion, and legal and political institutions. Therefore, none of these options can be excluded as shared characteristics.

PEMEX is the correct answer because it is the acronym for Petróleos Mexicanos, which is the name of the Mexican government's oil company. It is one of the largest oil companies in the world and plays a crucial role in Mexico's economy, being responsible for the exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum and its byproducts.

During the Spanish colonial period in America, sugar was a significant export commodity. The question asks about the locations where sugar was grown on plantations. Among the options provided, Cuba stands out as a correct answer. Cuba had a thriving sugar industry during this time, with large plantations producing sugar for export. The other options, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil, also had sugar production, but Cuba was particularly known for its sugar plantations and played a crucial role in the Spanish colonial economy.

During the colonial period in the mining districts of the Bolivian and Peruvian Andes, the most important mineral excavated was silver. Silver mining played a crucial role in the economies of both countries and was a major source of wealth for the Spanish Empire. The region was known for its rich silver deposits, and the extraction and export of silver were highly profitable activities for the colonial powers. The abundance of silver in the Andes greatly influenced the development of the region and had a significant impact on global trade and economic history.

The Incans occupied the Andes Mountains. The Andes Mountains were the heartland of the Inca Empire, which stretched along the western coast of South America. The Incans built their capital, Cusco, in the Andes Mountains and expanded their empire to cover a vast territory that included present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and parts of Chile and Argentina. The mountains provided natural defenses and resources for the Inca civilization, and they played a significant role in shaping their culture and way of life.

The correct answer is "Escaped and liberated slaves." Maroon communities were settlements formed by slaves who had escaped from plantations or had been liberated. These communities provided a safe haven for these individuals and allowed them to live independently, away from the control of their former owners. These communities were often located in remote and inaccessible areas, making it difficult for slave hunters to track them down.

The correct answer is "They are all grasslands." This answer is correct because all three regions mentioned in the options, Ilanos of Venezuela, Cerrados of Brazil, and Pampas of Argentina, are known for their extensive grasslands. These regions are characterized by vast plains covered with grasses, making them ideal habitats for grazing animals. Therefore, the statement that "They are all grasslands" accurately describes the nature of these regions.

Machu Picchu is associated with the Inca culture. The Inca civilization was a native Latin American culture that thrived in the Andes region of South America, particularly in Peru. Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the mountains of Peru and is considered one of the most iconic and important archaeological sites associated with the Inca civilization. It was built around the 15th century and is known for its impressive architectural design and stunning mountainous backdrop. The Inca culture left a lasting impact on the region, and Machu Picchu stands as a testament to their advanced engineering and cultural achievements.

The Atacama Desert is located on the Pacific Coast of South America. This arid region stretches across parts of Chile and Peru and is known as one of the driest places on Earth. It is situated between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, creating a unique climate and landscape. The desert's location along the coast contributes to its extreme dryness, as the cold Humboldt Current prevents moisture from reaching the area.

Tierra Caliente is the correct answer because it refers to the altitudinal zone that is characterized by a warm climate. Bananas typically thrive in warm and tropical environments, making Tierra Caliente the most suitable altitudinal zone for banana production.

In 1999, Panama regained control of the Panama Canal. This event marked the end of the United States' control over the canal, which had been in place since its completion in 1914. The transfer of control was stipulated in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977, which outlined the gradual process of transferring the canal to Panama. The final handover occurred on December 31, 1999, signifying a significant milestone for Panama's sovereignty and control over this vital waterway.

The Tierra Templada is located anywhere between 2950 feet and 5900 feet above sea level. This elevation range is characteristic of the Tierra Templada climate zone, which is known for its mild temperatures and is typically found in mountainous regions. The Tierra Templada is not located in the Caribbean Basin or Southeastern Brazil, nor is it defined by its position between the Equator and 23.5° latitude.

Lake Maracaibo is located in Venezuela.

Mexico City was the center of administration of the viceroyalty of New Spain because it served as the capital of the Spanish colony and the seat of government for the viceroy. As the largest and most populous city in the viceroyalty, Mexico City was strategically located in the heart of the colony, making it an ideal choice for the administrative center. It was also a major economic and cultural hub, further solidifying its position as the center of power in New Spain.

The most serious criticism of the Green Revolution in Mexico was the loss of genetic diversity. The Green Revolution, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity through the use of modern farming techniques and high-yielding crop varieties, led to the widespread adoption of a few genetically uniform crop varieties. This resulted in the displacement and loss of traditional crop varieties that were adapted to local conditions and possessed diverse genetic traits. The loss of genetic diversity is concerning as it reduces the resilience of crops to pests, diseases, and environmental changes, and can have long-term negative impacts on food security.

Oil is the main fossil fuel resource in the Amazon, which was discovered in 1967. This implies that the Amazon region has significant oil reserves that have been explored and utilized since the discovery in 1967.

When the first Europeans arrived in Latin America and the Caribbean, the estimated population of the region was 50 million people. This suggests that the region had a significant number of inhabitants even before European colonization began.

The westerlies are prevailing winds that blow from west to east in the middle latitudes. In the case of southern Chile, the westerlies bring heavy rains due to their interaction with the Andes Mountains. As the westerlies move across the Pacific Ocean, they pick up moisture, and when they encounter the mountains, the air is forced to rise, causing it to cool and condense, resulting in heavy rainfall. Therefore, the westerlies are responsible for bringing heavy rains to southern Chile.

Seringuieros are local rubber tappers in the Amazon basin. They are individuals who collect latex from rubber trees in the region. This occupation is commonly found in the Amazon rainforest, where rubber tapping is an important economic activity. Seringuieros play a crucial role in the sustainable extraction of rubber from the trees, contributing to the local economy and the preservation of the Amazon ecosystem.