South America. Mainland south america

South America- a fragment of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. The mainland is located at approximately the same latitudes as Africa and Australia. Therefore, in geological structure, in some features of the climate there are many similarities. Similarities are present in the flora and fauna. Perhaps this is due to common origin species, and maybe because of similar external factors impact on the evolution of plants and animals.

• humid equatorial forests - selva ;
• savannas and woodlands - campos and llanos ;
• subtropical steppes - pampa (or pampas );
• semi-deserts and deserts;
• mixed forests;
• areas of high-altitude zonation in the Andes.

For a long time, South America was isolated from other continents. Therefore, unique species of plants and animals have been preserved here.

The nature of the equatorial forests

In South America, as in Africa, there is a wet zone on either side of the equator. equatorial forests – selva ... Word "Selvas" translated from Portuguese means "forests"... Heavy rains come here all year round(almost daily). Therefore, these forests are also called rain ... Their area is much larger than the area of ​​similar forests in Africa.

In terms of the species composition and density of the vegetation cover, they have no equal on our planet.

The selva was formed, like African forests, on red-yellow feralite soils ... This is also a multi-tiered plant complex. The upper tier is formed by trees such as seiba (up to $ 80 m), different kindspalm trees ... In the lower tiers they grow melon, mahogany, cocoa, hevea, cinchona ... The crowns of trees are intertwined with numerous vines ... Many epiphytes grow on trees. Among them are blooming orchids ... There are many ferns , growing paraguayan tea – mate .

The plant with the largest leaves grows in the backwaters of the Amazon. it victoria-regia ... Its sheet has a diameter of up to $ 2 $ m and can withstand a weight of up to $ 50 $ kg.

No less gorgeous and animal world selva. Many animals have adapted to life in trees. Wide-nosed monkeys - howler monkeys , marmosets (up to $ 30 $ cm), spider monkey, sloth . Jaguar and puma they also walk well in trees.

Live on earth tapir, capybara (capybara) ... Almost in most of the mainland there are anteater and armadillo ... Lives in the forests a large number of species of birds, insects, arachnids, snakes are found. The fauna of the rivers is no less diverse. Meet here crocodiles, turtles, freshwater dolphin, water boa - anaconda, piranha Is one of the most dangerous fish South America. In the waters of the Orinoco and Amazon you can meet and electric eel .

The nature of the South American savannas and woodlands

Definition 1

The savannahs of the northern part of the mainland are called llanos (translated from Spanish - "plain").

Definition 2

The savannahs of the Brazilian Highlands are called campos (translated from Portuguese - "plain").

So the history of the development of the mainland was reflected in the originality of toponymy. Savannah formed on red feralite soils , in warm and humid climates. Trees presented palms and acacias, kebracho ... From herbaceous plants grow here cacti, milkweed, agave, pumpkin, peanuts .

The fauna of the savannah is poor in ungulates.

Are found here small deer, wild pigs - bakers, ostrich rhea ... There are many snakes and lizards. As already mentioned, anteaters, armadillos, termites, jaguars and cougars are found throughout the vast expanses of the entire continent.

South American steppes, semi-deserts and deserts

To the south of the savannah is a zone of subtropical steppes - pampa (« treeless plain"). Low-growing cereals dominate there: pampas grass, feather grass, bearded man, keleria (thin-legged) ... There are many rodents. On the banks of the rivers there is nutria .

The desert biota is very poor. Plants are represented by pillow-like forms, cacti.

Altitude zonation in the Andes

Areas of the Andes lying in different latitudes, differ in the number and composition of altitudinal zones. At the foot of the mountains there is a natural zone characteristic of the given latitude of the flat terrain. With the rise in the mountains, the climate gradually changes. This leads to a change in soil, flora and fauna.

Definition 3

The change natural areas in the mountains with a height is called altitudinal zonality .

In the equatorial region, the lower belt of mountains up to an altitude of $ 1200-1500 m is occupied by humid equatorial forests. Above is the belt of mountain forests. Temperature ranges from $ + 15 ° C to $ + 20 ° C, precipitation falls up to $ 3000 $ mm per year. This climate is called the climate eternal spring... Grow here ferns, bamboo, cinchona.

At an altitude of $ 2800-3800 m there is a belt of high-mountain forests - crooked forest ... The temperature drops to $ + 10 ° C and can change dramatically throughout the day. There are forests of low-growing trees and shrubs here.

Even higher, up to an altitude of $ 4500 m, stretch alpine meadows - paramos ... Above $ 4500 m is zone of perennial snow and ice. In high mountainous areas are found llamas, guanacos and alpacas ... A rodent is found on the mountain plateaus - chinchilla ... The bird is the symbol of the mountainous regions. condor , the wingspan of which reaches $ 3 $ m.

Wildlife records in South America

Describing the nature of South America, one cannot fail to mention a number of "champions" among the plants and animals of the continent.

• Anaconda - water boa, reaches length up to $ 11 $ m.
• Arapaima - the largest freshwater fish, length up to $ 3 m and weighing up to $ 200 kg.
• Tarantula spider - the largest spider on the planet, up to $ 12 $ cm.
• Hummingbird - the smallest bird on the planet, up to $ 57 $ mm long and weighing $ 2 $ g.

The strongest vegetable curare poison obtained from the roots of a vine growing in the jungle.

Remark 1

Reduction of equatorial wet forest area is one of the most important environmental issues South America.

South America ... Plants and animals of this region from time immemorial attract to themselves increased attention... It is here that a huge number of unique animals live, and the flora is represented by truly unusual plants. Hardly in modern world you can meet a person who would not agree to visit this continent at least once in his life.

General geographic description

In fact, the continent called South America is huge. Plants and animals are also diverse here, but all of them, according to experts, are largely due to the geographical location and the peculiarities of the formation of the earth's surface.

The continent is washed on both sides by the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The main part of its territory is located in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The connection of the mainland with North America took place during the Pliocene epoch with the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.

The Andes are seismically active mountain system, stretching along the western border of the continent. To the east of the ridge flows the largest and practically the entire area covers South America.

Among other continents, this one takes 4th place in terms of area and 5th place in terms of population. There are two versions of the appearance of people in this territory. Perhaps the settlement took place through the Bering Isthmus, or the first people came from the south of the Pacific Ocean.

Unusual features of the local climate

South America is the most wet continent planets with six climatic zones... In the north is subequatorial belt, and in the south there are belts of subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate climate... The northwest coast and lowlands of the Amazon region have high humidity and an equatorial climate.

Jaguarundi

This small feline predator resembles a weasel or a cat. Jaguarundi has long body(about 60 cm) with short legs, a small round head with triangular ears. The height at the withers reaches 30 cm, weight - up to 9 kg.

Wool of uniform color of gray, red or reddish-brown colors, not representing commercial value. It is found in forests, savannas or wetlands.

It feeds on insects, small animals and fruits. Jaguarundi lives and hunts alone, meets with other individuals only for reproduction.

This is how it is, unusual, stunning, alluring and mesmerizing South America, whose plants and animals are especially popular not only among scientists who connect their lives with the study of the continent, but also among curious tourists who want to discover something new.

South America is a large continent that is located in the Western and Southern Hemispheres of the Earth, and a small part of it is in the Northern. The Pacific and Atlantic oceans wash its shores. History, culture and even civilization have developed here in their own way. Therefore, we present to your attention the most exciting, incredible and interesting facts about South America.

• 1. Part of the territory of South America was discovered by the Spanish navigator Columbus. He was the first to learn about the presence of a large continent. The theory of Christopher Columbus that water becomes fresher only if the river flows into the sea was confirmed in 1492.
• 2. The most big country South America - Brazil. It is famous for its lush carnivals and performances from various samba schools.

• 3. The most big river in the world flows through this continent. The Amazon has more than half a thousand tributaries.
• 4. Angel - this is the name of the highest waterfall in the world. It is located in the South American country of Venezuela. The waterfall is over 1000 meters high. This miracle of nature is located in hard-to-reach places, so not everyone can be lucky enough to see it.

• 5. The highest mountain capital on Earth is located in Bolivia. The city of La Paz is located at an altitude of 3-4 kilometers!
• 6. Machu Picchu is the most mountainous city of antiquity. It was built by Indian tribes in the Andes, Peru. Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive sights in the entire world.

• 7. Interesting Facts about South America reveal the secret of longevity of the inhabitants of its coastal countries. According to scientists, eating fresh seafood and unique natural conditions the mainland contribute to the development of mental potential and health promotion of people.
• 8. Did you know that the South American country of Venezuela was named after the European city of Venice? The Florentine traveler Amerigo Vespucci, having studied the principle of construction of Venezuela (a system of canals, houses on stilts, on the water), found similarities with Venice. Hence the name the whole country In South America.

• 9. On the coast of this continent there is a natural lighthouse Itzalco (or Isalco) known to sailors all over the world. In fact, it is a volcano, about 2 kilometers high. Magma is poured here every 8 minutes and a 300-meter column of smoke rises. The reliability of such a lighthouse has been tested by the continuous 200-year operation of the volcano.
• 10. In the northern part of the state of Chile is located unique desert Atacama. It is interesting because for 400 years there was absolutely no precipitation here. For this reason, the humidity in the driest planet Globe is 0%, and the local mountains, despite the impressive height of 7 kilometers, do not have ice caps. Imagine the surprise of the locals when, in 2010, nature gifted the lifeless desert lands with snow drifts in May.

• 11. In the highlands of Peru and Bolivia, tribes of indigenous Indians still live.
• 12. South America is the habitat of the world's largest beetles (lumberjack beetles), the most poisonous frogs (Red-backed poison frog, Spotted poison dart frog, Bicolor phyllomedusa, Little tree frog and others), the smallest monkeys (marmosets), the largest butterflies (agrippina butterfly), the most dangerous fish (piranhas).

• 13. The Colombian river Caño Cristales is considered one of the most beautiful and unusual in the world. Its uniqueness is given by a large number of multi-colored algae. Like red, yellow and green threads, they fill the pond with amazing shades.
• 14. In the South American country of Paraguay, duels still take place (and are allowed).

• 15. Summer panama hats were invented in Ecuador, and not in Panama, as one might logically think.

Amazing video about South America:

South America is the 4th largest continent on our planet. If you look closely at the map, the continent resembles a drop of water. The mainland is located in southern hemisphere Earth.

Natural areas

There are 5 climatic zones on the continent:

• equatorial;
• subequatorial;
• tropical;
• subtropical;
• moderate.

Relief

The relief of the mainland is conditional can be divided into 2 zones Is a flat plain in the eastern part and a mountain range in the west. The Andes mountains are a continuation of the mountain range North America- The Cordillera. This is the longest mountain range on our planet.

Plant community

The flora of the continent is diverse. This is facilitated by a mild warm climate and a large amount of precipitation. The flora on the continent changes depending on the climatic zone.

So v tropical belt jungle prevails. And now scientists are discovering more and more new species of plants and representatives. The jungles of South America cover a larger area than similar areas in Africa.

The rainforest is home to rubber trees, melon and chocolate trees, various types of palm trees, hevea, orchids. In some areas the height of the forest cover reaches 100 meters. It can be a 12-tiered community with unique flora and fauna inherent in each floor.

To the south of the Amazon selva, there are rare deciduous forests. Typical representative flora This part of the mainland is a quebracho tree with strong and durable wood.

Moving south across the continent, travelers will cross the savannahs and land on the famous South American plains - pampas. This is a classic steppe zone with feather grass, wild millet and forbs. Occasionally there are thickets of mimosa and milkweed. The soils in this part of the continent are very fertile.

The closer to the south extreme point the mainland, the poorer the landscape becomes. The Pampas are replaced by a zone of semi-deserts and deserts. There are dry shrubs that form a kind of perekatipole cushions.

Fauna of South America

Fauna on the mainland also depends on the climatic zone.

V rainforest different types of monkeys live ,. Many species are exclusively adapted to life in trees. The lower tier of the forest was chosen by tapirs,. The famous jaguar is one of the predators. Entomologists are currently discovering new species. A large number of unique species of birds live in the forests - these are toucans, macaw parrots. There are about 320 species of hummingbird babies in South America alone.

In the savannah zone animals are smaller, and they are adapted to life in open spaces. These are wild pigs-bakers,. From large birds ostriches-nandu feel great. Live in the savannas and big cats- cougars and jaguars. Of the small predators, the savannah fox and the maned wolf live in the savannas.

Pampas- this is the habitat for the swift-footed representatives of the animal world. These are llamas, deer and such predators as the pampas cat, several types of armadillos.

In the Andes mountains basically the same species of animals live as on the flat part of the mainland. but there are endemics - unique, inherent only in South America, animals. These are mountain llamas, spectacled bear, adorable chinchillas.

Detailed information about the diversity of nature South American mainland can be found in the reports of various scientific societies.

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Perhaps nowhere in the world can one find such a variety of flora and fauna as in South America. Nature, which in many regions of the mainland has been preserved in its original form, is still of great interest to researchers and scientists around the world. Above all, the focus is on the plants of South America, among which there are many endemics.

Wet forests

The flora of South America is represented in all its amazing diversity in humid or rain equatorial forests or jungle. This forest area occupies the impressive territory of the Amazonian lowland.

TO distinctive features selva include:

• Wealth species composition ... It has been established that 2/3 of the flora of the whole world grows in the jungle. 10 sq. km of forest thickets account for more than 1,500 different species of flowering plants and 750 species of trees.
• High density of vegetation ... Selva is so densely populated with a wide variety of vegetation that it is almost impossible to move along it. Vines are especially difficult to advance.

Rice. 1. Equatorial forests South America

The South American jungle is not only very dense, but also high. In areas not flooded by rivers during floods, there are up to 5 tiers of various plants. The highest among them are the representatives of the upper tier - giant trees up to 80-100 m high.

In the jungle, you can find a lot of endemics - representatives of flora that grow only in a particular region. One of prominent representatives is a small psychotria tree, the flowers of which outwardly very much resemble bright red rough, as if folded for a kiss. Its extraordinary bright view they attract the main pollinators - butterflies and tiny hummingbirds. Unfortunately, psychotria is on the list of threatened plants. complete disappearance... The reason is - uncontrolled felling valuable forest.

Rice. 2. Psychotria

Savannah and pampas

To the south of the selva there are savannahs dominated by thickets of shrubs, tall grasses and tough grasses.

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South American savannahs are home to unusual tree Querbajo, which is famous for its incredibly heavy and dense wood, rich in the valuable substance tannin. Querbakho is used to obtain tannins, and also as a valuable medicinal plant and raw materials for making durable furniture.

Rice. 3. Querbakho tree

Behind the savannas are the South American steppes - the pampas. Various types of grasses, shrubs and low trees prevail in these parts. The local soil is highly fertile, and large areas of the pampas are devoted to agriculture.

Deserts

In the south of the mainland there is a zone of deserts and semi-deserts. Harsh climatic conditions are an obstacle to lush and varied vegetation. Only a few types of grasses and grains can grow in the South American deserts.

Plants capable of withstanding prolonged drought and continuous weathering of the soil are Atagonian fabiana, chukuraga, resinous chanyar.