Chapter 7 Study Help Flashcards
What geographical feature links North and South America?
Isthmus
Mexico and Central America form an isthmus between the two continents.
What are the primary languages spoken in Latin America?
Spanish and Portuguese
Latin America includes Mexico, Central America, South America, and some Caribbean islands.
What are the two major mountain ranges in Mexico?
Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental
These mountain ranges converge at the Southern Highlands.
What are Mexico’s two prominent peninsulas?
Baja California and Yucatan Peninsula
Baja California is located to the west, while the Yucatan Peninsula is to the east.
What climate zones exist in Mexico and Central America based on elevation?
Tierra caliente, Tierra templada, Tierra fria, Tierra helada, Tierra nevada
Each zone has different characteristics and uses.
Which climate zone is where most people in Mexico reside?
Tierra templada
This zone is characterized as temperate land.
What are Mexico’s key natural resources?
Oil, gas, silver, gold, copper, iron ore, bauxite
Resources are primarily located along the Gulf of Mexico.
What is the climate of the Caribbean islands?
Tropical wet/dry climate
The climate is characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures year-round.
Name the three groups of Caribbean islands.
Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, The Bahamas
The Greater Antilles includes larger islands like Cuba and Jamaica.
What significant civilization thrived in Mexico around 3,000 years ago?
Maya civilization
The Maya civilization peaked between AD 300 and 900.
Who led the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs?
Hernán Cortés
His conquest established a Spanish colony in the region.
What year did Mexico gain independence from Spain?
1821
The rebellion for independence was initiated by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810.
What year did Central America gain independence and unify into one nation?
1823
It later split into five independent countries by 1840.
What challenges does Mexico face in its cultural and economic landscape?
Pollution, drug violence, poverty
These issues are particularly prevalent in overcrowded Mexico City.
What is the official language of Belize?
English
This distinguishes Belize from other Central American nations where Spanish is predominantly spoken.
What is the key industry in the Caribbean islands?
Tourism
The islands also face challenges like natural disasters and high unemployment.
