1.
The Mayan civilization existed for over 1500 years, with the date of their habitation into the areas presently recognized as Mayan being from around 2600 BC to 1800 BC. During this time, they enjoyed great prosperity owing to their proficiency in science and mathematics. Several aspects of the Mayans developed during this period, of note being the art and architecture they managed to create and leave behind as evidence of their civilization. In their ability to create glorious architectural works, great cities developed by the Mayans include the Caracal in present day Belize. The city was developed and meant for the inhabitation of a great number of people, with estimates putting the figure of inhabitants at around 200,000 people. The great Caana complex to be found there, presently stands as the largest man-made structure in Belize, despite the many years that have elapsed since. Despite the decline that the Mayans were to later face, their glory, and proficiency as great builders remains in the existing architecture from their time.
2.
Middle America is a term commonly used to refer to the transitory region between the North and the south Americas. Its culture is varied as it takes influences from various civilizations. The republic of Mexico is one of the countries who by definition lie in Middle America. It is similar to the other Middle American societies in terms of diversity both cultural and geographic. Mexico lies geographically and in most in the northern American region. However, about 12% percent of its landmass is in the Middle American region, making it have the transitory geographical position that leads to it classification as Middle American. The culture of Mexico is largely inspired by the Spanish influences of its colonization. Despite enjoying a rich indigenous cultural history, with great civilizations such as the Aztecs residing there, the introduction of the Spanish culture has transformed Mexico into a nearly European country. Being the largest Spanish speaking nation in the world, Mexico also practices Christianity, also introduced by the Spanish as its major religion.
3.
South America enjoys arguably the most diverse geographic variation anywhere in the world. It is within this continent that extremes on physical geography are experienced. Of immense importance to the geography of southern America are its river basins which contribute to its biome diversity. One of the largest river basins in the world is found here. The Amazon water basin houses the largest river on the planet, the Amazon, while also sustaining the vast rain forests of the Amazon. The Amazon finds its life force from the tributaries flowing from the Andes Mountain, with in excess of 209,000 cubic meters of water flowing from the Amazon into the Atlantic every second. The biodiversity that is supported by this river basin is likewise mind-blowing. In the Amazon rain forest, there are over one hundred tree species growing per acre of the forest. The fauna of the forest is also one of the richest with arboreal mammals excellently suited to the dense canopy of the forest.
4.
The southern cone is the most southern geographical region of the south Americas. It is made up of countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and the state of Sao Paulo of Brazil. The region contains some of the driest areas in the entirety of South America, with the Atacama and the Monte desert being found here. As a result of its location within the tropics, the regions, enjoy a temperate climate. The cone also houses the La Plata river basins which form the natural barriers between the countries of Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. In addition to the basin, the Andes mountain complex touches on the northern part of the cone in Chile, where it forms the border to Chile.
References
Caracol. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2014,
The Difference Between The Aztec, Maya, Inca, And Olmec. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2014,
South America: Physical Geography - National Geographic Education. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2014,
