South America - Geography

Explanation
The coalition of the Nazca and South American plates created the Andes mountain range. The collision between these two tectonic plates resulted in the uplift and formation of the towering peaks and rugged terrain that characterize the Andes. This geological process, known as plate tectonics, is responsible for the creation of many mountain ranges around the world. The Andes, located along the western coast of South America, are the longest continental mountain range and are renowned for their stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Explanation
Brazil is the largest country in South America because it covers a vast area of approximately 8.5 million square kilometers, which is larger than any other country in the continent. It shares borders with almost every other country in South America, except for Chile and Ecuador. Brazil's large size is attributed to its diverse geography, including the vast Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands, and the expansive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, Brazil has the largest population in South America, further solidifying its status as the largest country in the region.

Explanation
An estuary is a semi-enclosed body of water that has a measurable degree of salinity or salt content. Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts present in the water, and estuaries typically have a mixture of saltwater from the ocean and freshwater from rivers or streams. This combination of different water sources creates a unique environment with varying levels of salinity, making it suitable for diverse marine and plant life to thrive.

Explanation
Tierra del Fuego is an island located at the southernmost tip of South America. It is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan and is divided between Argentina and Chile. The region is known for its rugged landscapes, including mountains, forests, and glaciers. As an island, Tierra del Fuego is surrounded by water and has a unique ecosystem that is home to diverse wildlife species.

Explanation
The correct answer is "plains". The Llanos refers to a vast tropical grassland region in South America, mainly located in Colombia and Venezuela. These plains are characterized by their flat terrain, fertile soil, and abundant grasses. They are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including capybaras, caimans, and various bird species. The Llanos are also an important agricultural area, known for cattle ranching and oil production.

Explanation
Bolivia has the largest percentage of South American Indians. This refers to the indigenous population of Bolivia, which is the largest in South America. The term "Indians" is used to describe the indigenous peoples of the Americas, including those in Bolivia. The answer is correct because it accurately identifies the demographic group with the largest percentage in Bolivia.

Explanation
The Inca founded South America's greatest early civilization. The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, stretching across modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and parts of Colombia and Argentina. They built impressive cities, such as Machu Picchu, and developed advanced systems of agriculture, architecture, and governance. The Inca civilization left a lasting impact on the region, with their achievements and cultural heritage still celebrated and admired today.

Explanation
The Amazon river drains a larger area than any other river in the world. This is because the Amazon river basin covers a vast region spanning several countries in South America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. With its extensive network of tributaries, the Amazon river collects water from a massive watershed, making it the largest river in terms of drainage area.

Explanation
The correct answer is "rain forest" because it refers to the vast areas of South America that are being cleared every year. The term "rain forest" is commonly used to describe the dense, tropical forests that receive high amounts of rainfall. The capitalization of the words does not affect the meaning of the term, as it still refers to the same ecosystem.

Explanation
A landlocked country is a country that is completely surrounded by land, with no access to the ocean or any major body of water. Therefore, it does not have a border on the ocean.

Explanation
Tar sands are rock or sand layers that contain oil. These are sedimentary deposits that consist of a mixture of sand, clay, water, and a dense and viscous form of petroleum known as bitumen. The bitumen found in tar sands can be extracted and processed to produce synthetic crude oil. This resource is abundant in certain regions, such as Canada, and has become a significant source of oil production.

Explanation
A coup refers to a change in government brought about when a group takes power by force. This typically involves the overthrow of the existing government and the installation of a new leadership, often through military means. Coups can occur for various reasons, such as political instability, dissatisfaction with the current regime, or power struggles within the ruling elite. They are typically characterized by a swift and decisive seizure of power, often accompanied by violence or the threat of violence.

Explanation
Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in all of South America. This is due to the fact that Venezuela is home to the largest oil fields in the world, particularly the Orinoco Belt, which holds vast amounts of heavy crude oil. The country's oil reserves have been a significant source of revenue and economic growth for Venezuela, making it a major player in the global oil industry.

Explanation
Brazil produces more coffee than any other country in the world. This is because Brazil has a favorable climate and geography for coffee cultivation, with rich soil, high altitudes, and ample rainfall. The country also has a long history and expertise in coffee production, with large-scale plantations and modern farming techniques. Additionally, Brazil has a large workforce dedicated to coffee farming and a well-established infrastructure for processing and exporting coffee. All these factors contribute to Brazil's dominance in the global coffee market.

Explanation
Terrorism refers to the use of fear and violence as a political force. It involves the deliberate targeting of civilians or non-combatants to create a sense of terror and panic in order to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives. Terrorism can take various forms, such as bombings, assassinations, hijackings, or cyber attacks. It is characterized by its indiscriminate nature and the intention to instill fear and intimidate a wider population beyond the immediate victims. The repetition of such acts aims to destabilize societies, challenge governments, and provoke a response that can further the terrorists' goals.