Question 1

What is the name of the major mountain range that runs along the western half of South America?

Accepted Answer

The Andes is the major mountain range that runs along the western half of South America. The Rockies are located in North America, the Himalayas in Asia, and the Alps in Europe.

Question 2

South America is home to the Amazon Basin which has several distinctive features including

Accepted Answer

All three options listed - the world's largest ecological region of tropical rainforest, a river basin the size of about half the area in the United States, and evidence of human habitation for 13,000 years - are distinct features of the Amazon Basin.

Question 3

El Nino and La Nina describe _________ in the Pacific Ocean.

Accepted Answer

El Nino and La Nina describe variations in ocean temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the tropical Pacific that can have global effects on weather patterns.

Question 4

What was the name of the main empire of the South American region prior to 1492?

Accepted Answer

The Incas were the main empire in the South American region prior to 1492. The Aztecs were located in what is now Mexico, and the Mayans were located in Central America. "Indigenous" refers to the native peoples of a particular region, but is not specific to any particular empire or civilization.

Question 5

The Columbian Encounter is the term used to describe

Accepted Answer

The term "Columbian Encounter" refers to the interaction and exchange between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas) after Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492. This encounter had a major impact on the cultures, societies, economies, and ecosystems of both worlds.

Question 6

The demographic holocaust is considered one of the most tragic outcomes of the post-Columbian period and is characterized by

Accepted Answer

The demographic holocaust refers to the massive population decline of indigenous peoples in the Americas as a result of diseases brought in by Europeans, for which they had no immunity. This was one of the most tragic outcomes of the post-Columbian period. The other options (A, B, and C) are not directly related to the demographic holocaust.

Question 7

What are the primary products produced in colonial South America and exported?

Accepted Answer

During colonial times, South America's primary products were beef, sugar, rubber, and minerals, which were exported to Europe. Gold and silver were also important for the Spanish colonial economy, but these commodities were mainly sent to Spain rather than being exported to other countries. Textiles, plastics, automobiles, lumber, fish, and leather were not significant products during the colonial period.

Question 8

Neoliberalism is described as reducing import quotas, abolishing government spending on social welfare, and fiscal discipline to promote foreign trade. This practice has had the following impact since the 1980's

Accepted Answer

Neoliberalism's focus on reducing government spending on social welfare programs and promoting foreign trade has resulted in an increase in poverty and a reduction in social welfare. Additionally, changes have been sought in political leadership as a result of public frustration with these policies. The increasing wealth gap between the rich and poor is also a consequence of neoliberal economic policies.

Question 9

All of the following are impacts of China's investment in South America except

Accepted Answer

While China's investment in South America has led to the purchase of raw materials and an increase in government revenue being spent on social welfare, it has not necessarily led to Chinese immigrants becoming the majority of the national population. Additionally, while some elected officials in South America may have shifted towards leftist ideologies as a result of Chinese investment, this is not always the case and cannot be stated as a definitive impact.

Question 10

The Andean Indigenous Belt runs from Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and into Bolivia. This group of ethnically distinct people pre-date European colonization. The countries with the lowest percentage of indigenous people include

Accepted Answer

Argentina, Venezuela, and Uruguay have the lowest percentage of indigenous people.

Question 11

Which categories below represent an ethnic reaffirmation of the contribution of their people?

Accepted Answer

Negritude and Indigenismo are both categories that embrace and reaffirm the cultural and ethnic contributions of black and indigenous peoples, respectively.

Question 12

The dominant religion throughout South America is

Accepted Answer

Catholicism was brought to South America by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century and has been the dominant religion ever since. It is estimated that approximately 70% of the South American population identifies as Catholic. While there are growing populations of Evangelical Christians in certain countries, such as Brazil, Catholicism remains the most widely practiced religion throughout the continent. Islam and Candomble are not dominant religions in South America.

Question 13

The Amazon rainforest is being cut down to make room for what crop in particular?

Accepted Answer

Palm oil plantations are one of the major causes of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Companies clear large areas of land to plant oil palms, which produce oil used in a wide range of products, including food, cosmetics, and biofuels. The expansion of palm oil plantations is driving the destruction of the rainforest and threatening indigenous communities and wildlife.

Question 14

There are many environmental benefits to the rainforest's size and health, there are also economic opportunities associated with deforestation. Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are many environmental benefits to the...

Question 15

What is the main pull factor for people to relocate from rural to urban areas?

Accepted Answer

The main pull factor for people to relocate from rural to urban areas is jobs. Urban areas offer a greater number and variety of employment opportunities compared to rural areas. This is especially attractive for young adults who are seeking to build their careers and improve their standard of living. Consumerism and entertainment may also be factors, but they are secondary to the primary factor of job availability. Housing may be a consideration, but it is not the main pull factor.

Question 16

Cities provide opportunities for people to find work and increase their earning potential; however, cities can also highlight economic disparities in rich and poor. What might you expect to find in a large South American city?

Accepted Answer

In a large South American city, it is likely to find a combination of gated communities for the wealthy and slum housing for the poor. Additionally, there may be high levels of crime and gang activity in certain areas of the city. Middle income housing may exist but would likely be located in areas of the city that are relatively safe and accessible to jobs and services.

Question 17

Urban primacy is a term used to describe

Accepted Answer

Urban primacy refers to a situation where a majority of a country's population is concentrated in one metropolitan area, often resulting in an unequal distribution of economic and political power.

Question 18

South America experienced some form of colonialism primarily by the Spanish and Portuguese. However, many other countries have laid claim to land on the continent and islands off the coast, these include all except

Accepted Answer

China did not have a significant presence in South America and did not lay claim to any land on the continent or islands off the coast.

Question 19

Territorial disputes between independent countries over borders occurred frequently in the 20^th century. Which of the following countries experienced conflicts over boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Argentina and Chile experienced conflicts over their boundaries, particularly in the Patagonian region and over the Beagle Channel, which were significant territorial disputes between the two countries.

Question 20

South American countries have experienced frequent military coups in the last century. Other types of conflicts to seize/earn power are part of this regions' history include

Accepted Answer

South American countries have a history of various conflicts to seize/earn power, including democracy (as seen in the rise of populist leaders like Peron in Argentina), insurgencies (such as the FARC in Colombia), and social movements (such as the indigenous rights movements in Bolivia). Therefore, all of the above options are the most appropriate choice.

Quiz 4: South America