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 the southern hemisphere of the 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 of 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 the tropical zone is dominated by the jungle. 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. A typical representative of the flora of this part of the continent is the 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 southernmost point of 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.
In the 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 still 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,. Of large birds, the rhea ostriches feel great. Large cats - cougars and jaguars - also live in savannas. 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 the nature of the South American continent can be found in the reports of various scientific societies.
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South America is a continent whose fauna is incredibly rich and diverse. What animals live in South America, and what plants grow there ... want to know?
South America - ranks 4th in size among the rest of the continents of the globe. Every continent has something unique and unrepeatable, and South America is no exception.
Even a seasoned traveler has something to be surprised about, there are tropical rainforests, savannahs and the Andes. This is a place of contradictions: Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina is located in the Atlantic cold ocean, the dusty steppes of Pampa stretch across Uruguay and Argentina, the majestic Andes with green valleys and coffee plantations rise from the west, in the north of Chile there is the Atacama Desert, which is the driest place on Earth, and in Brazil, in the Amazon region, there are thickets of impenetrable jungle.
Fauna of the Andes
The animals of South America are striking in their diversity, as are its landscapes.
The longest mountains on the planet are the Andes, they are about 9 thousand kilometers long. These mountains are located in different zones: temperate, two subequatorial, equatorial, subtropical and tropical, so the Andes grows more plants and a variety of animals.
Deciduous and evergreen trees grow in the lower tier of the equatorial forests, and at an altitude of 2500 meters there are cinchona trees and coca bushes. Cacti and lianas grow in subtropical zones. In the Andes, there are many valuable plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, coca, cinchona trees.
The Andes is home to over 900 species of amphibians, 1,700 species of birds and 600 species of mammals, which are not found in large flocks, as they are separated by densely growing trees. The forests are inhabited by bright large butterflies and large ants. A large number of birds nest in dense forests, the most common are parrots, in addition there are many.
The fauna of the Andes was negatively influenced by human activities. Previously, many condors lived here, but today they have survived only in two places: the Sierre Nevade de Santa Marta and Nudo de Pasto.
Is the largest flying bird on the West Coast. She has a shiny black plumage, and a collar of white feathers folds around her neck. A white border runs along the wings.
Females of condors are much larger than males. Sexual maturity in these birds occurs at 5-6 months. They build nests on rocky cliffs at an altitude of 3-5 thousand meters. In clutch there are usually 1-2 eggs. Among birds, condors are centenarians, as they can live for about 50 years.
It has simultaneously become a symbol of several Latin American states: Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. In the culture of the peoples of the Andes, these birds are assigned an important role.
But, despite this, in the twentieth century, the number of these large birds decreased significantly, so they were included in the International Red Book. Today, condors are in the group of endangered species.
It is believed that the main reason for the degradation of condors was anthropological factors, that is, the landscapes in which these birds lived have changed. They are also poisoned by the carcasses of animals that people shoot. Among other things, until recently, condors were specially shot, as there was a misconception that they pose a threat to pets.
To date, several countries have organized captive breeding programs for condors, followed by their release into the wild.
The unusual islands of Lake Titicaca
Unique animals live not only in the Andes, but also in the areas of Lake Titicaca. Only here you can find the Titicacus Whistler and the wingless Greater Greyhound.
The Titicaca Whistler is a frog endemic to Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is unusual for its floating islands of Uros. According to legend, small tribes of the Uros Indians settled on floating islands several millennia ago in order to separate from other peoples. These Indians themselves learned to build islands from straw.
Each island of Uros is formed from several layers of dry reed, while the lower layers are washed away over time by the current, but the upper layers are constantly renewed. The islands are springy and soft, and water seeps through the reeds in some places. The Indians build their huts and make boats "balsa de totora" also from reeds.
The wingless great crested grebe is a bird that occasionally visits Lake Titicaca. Today there are approximately 40 floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca. Moreover, on some islands there are observation towers and even solar panels for power generation. Excursions to these islands are very popular among tourists.
Animals endemic to South America
Pudu deer are found exclusively in South America. The growth of these deer is small - only 30-40 centimeters, the body length reaches 95 centimeters, and the weight does not exceed 10 kg. These deer have little in common with their relatives: they have short, straight horns, small oval ears with hair, and the body color is gray-brown with fuzzy white spots.
South America is the most diverse continent in the world in terms of flora, primarily due to its geographic location.
The plant life of South America is increased by the high mountains, especially the Andes, which stretch from north to south along the western part of the mainland.
South America includes diverse tropical rainforests, tropical, extremely dry, temperate and alpine forests.
The largest biomes are deserts, savannas and rainforests. Due to the rapid rate of deforestation in places such as, some plants may disappear before being registered, let alone studied.
The desert biome is the driest biome in South America and is generally limited to the western coast of the continent.
Arid conditions prevail from the coast to the relatively high Andes. The Atacama Desert in northern Chile and the Patagonian Desert in central Chile are the most famous deserts in South America. Smaller desert areas are also found in the Andes rain shadow regions.
Next on the moisture scale is the savannah biome, which is found in two very different areas of the mainland. The largest savannahs are concentrated in regions such as: Cerrado; Pantanal; and further south, in southern Brazil, Uruguay and northern Argentina, are the steppe savannas called the Pampas.
Although some of the forests in South America are dry, most of them receive 2000-3000 mm of precipitation annually. The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest rainforest, accounting for more than 3/4 of the mainland's forest area. It is one of the richest areas of the planet with vegetation, but it is rapidly being destroyed due to agricultural and other human activities. Young rainforests grow along the southeastern coast of Brazil and in northern Venezuela.
Much smaller is the small Mediterranean region in central Chile, characterized by cool, humid winters and warm, dry summers.
In the far south of Chile and in Argentina, there is a small area that becomes the alpine tundra in the very south. Temperatures are relatively cool and mild all year round, with the exception of the extreme south, where it can be very cold in winter.
The Amazon rainforest is an extremely complex biome. The main plant biomass consists of trees, which form a closed dome that prevents large amounts of sunlight from entering the forest floor.
Epiphytes
The forest floor has a small number of herbaceous plants, and most of the small species grow as epiphytes on the branches and trunks of trees. Epiphytes in the Amazon rainforest include species from the Orchid family, Bromeliads, and even some cacti.
There is a wide variety of bromeliads, ranging from small, inconspicuous species to larger species that can collect significant amounts of moisture in their central curl of leaves. The water in these plants can form a miniature one, consisting of mosquito larvae, aquatic insects and frogs.
Ferns
Ferns are considered another significant member of the epiphytic community. Some of the larger fern species, often called tree ferns, which grow in the undergrowth.
Vines
Thus, the typical vegetation of the Amazon rainforest includes various types of vines.
The trees that form the canopy are divided into three fairly discrete levels. The two lowest levels are crowded, and the top level is made up of tall trees that stand out randomly above the continuous lower layers.
There are several smaller palms, bushes, and ferns under the canopy, but these are found densely only where there is a fracture in the dome that allows sunlight to enter.
Several types of rainforest are well known primarily for their economic value. The most popular wood for making furniture is mahogany mahogany. Since its timber is highly prized, many types of mahogany are rare or have disappeared completely.
South American rainforests are also a rich source of rubber. Brazil had a monopoly on rubber until seeds were smuggled out and planted in Malaysia, and synthetic rubber replaced natural rubber in a number of countries.
Brazilian walnut
Another popular tree is the Brazilian walnut. Its fruits are rich in proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Cocoa tree
The fruit of the cocoa tree is widely used in cooking as the main ingredient in chocolate, as well as in medicine.
Every year during the rainy season, the lowest areas of the Amazon rainforest are filled with water (up to 1 m), which recedes after a few months. Trees grow well during this flood cycle.
Some trees have unique fruits that are eaten by the fish and thus spreading their seeds. Flooding can be so extensive in some areas that water reaches the lower parts of the canopy.
Coastal tropical rainforests are also found in the northwestern and southeastern parts of South America. Each of these forests contains a large number of endemic species. Some tree species are so rare that they can be found over an area of several square kilometers and nowhere else.
Mangroves
Where the rainforest meets the ocean, they have adapted to the tidal environment.
Mangrove trees have a tangle of roots, often towering above the water, giving the appearance of "walking trees". Special root structures that rise above the water level during high tides allow the roots to breathe. Mangroves are also extremely salt tolerant.
Flora of Mediterranean climate and temperate forests
Plants of Mediterranean climates and temperate forests
This climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, humid winters. The vegetation consists mainly of leathery-deciduous evergreen shrubs, which are well adapted to prolonged summer drought.
Chilean Matorral
Chilean Matorral is the only Mediterranean area that contains bromeliads. In the lower areas, many shrubs are arid, deciduous species, meaning they shed their leaves in summer.
Temperate forests
Since South America stretches far to the south, it has a small region called the Valdive Forests. They range from temperate rainforests to drier temperate forests, and in all cases, notofagus are generally predominant.
Small evergreen trees and shrubs dominate here. Fuchsias, prized all over the world for their beautiful flowers, grow in the underbrush. Although not rich in species, the temperate rainforests of the southern continent can be quite dense.
Physical geography of continents and oceans
CONTENT: SOUTH AMERICA
ANIMAL WORLD OF SOUTH AMERICA
The fauna of South America is also characterized by no less wealth than the vegetation cover. The modern fauna, like the flora of the mainland, has been formed since the end of the Cretaceous. in isolation and little changed climate. This is associated with the antiquity of the fauna and the presence in its composition of a large number of endemic forms. In addition, there are some common features of the fauna of South America and other continents of the southern hemisphere, which indicates a long-standing relationship between them. An example is marsupials, preserved only in South America and Australia.
All monkeys in South America belong to the group of broad-nosed monkeys that are absent from the fauna of the Old World.
A feature of the fauna of South America is also the presence in its composition of three endemic families of edentulous, united in one detachment. A large number of endemic species, genera and even families are found among carnivores, herbivores and rodents.
The very rich and peculiar fauna of South America (together with Central America) belongs to Neotropical region and is included in its two subregions - Brazilian and Chilean-Patagonian.
Tropical rainforest
The greatest originality and wealth are characterized by tropical rainforest, animals hide there in dense thickets or spend most of their time in tall trees. Adaptation to the arboreal lifestyle is one of the characteristics of animals in the Amazonian forests, as well as animals in the forests of the Congo Basin in Africa or the Malay Archipelago in Asia.
In the tropical forests of South America, American (broad-nosed) monkeys live, divided into two families - marmosets and cebids. Play monkeys are small in size. The smallest of them reach a length of no more than 15-16 cm, limbs equipped with claws help them to hold on to tree trunks. For many cebids, a strong tail is characteristic, with which they cling to tree branches, it serves as a fifth limb. Among them, the genus of howler monkeys stands out, which got their name for their ability to emit far audible cries. Spider monkeys with long flexible limbs are widespread.
Of the representatives of the order of edentulous in tropical forests live sloths(Bradypodidae). They are inactive and spend most of their time hanging in trees, feeding on leaves and shoots. Sloths climb trees confidently and rarely sink to the ground (Fig. 86).
Rice. 86. Distribution of some animals in South America
Some are also adapted to life in trees. anteaters... For example, tamandua freely climbs trees; the small anteater with a prehensile tail also spends most of the time in the trees. The large anteater is common in forests and savannas, and leads a terrestrial lifestyle.
In tropical forests, there are predators from the family feline: ocelots, small jaguarundis, and large and strong jaguars. Of the predators belonging to the family canine, an interesting little-studied forest, or bush, dog living in the tropical forests of Brazil, Suriname and Guyana. Forest animals that hunt in the trees include noses (Nasua) and kinkajous (Potos flavus).
Ungulates, which are not numerous in South America, are represented in the forests by only a few genera. Among them are tapir (Tapirus terrestris), a small black baker's pig, and undersized South American spoke-horned deer.
Typical representatives rodents in the forests of the Amazon lowland and other regions of South America - the arboreal chain-tailed porcupines of the Coendou (genus Coendou). Agouti (Dasyprocta agouti), which are found in the forests of Brazil, cause great harm to plantations of tropical crops. The capybara capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent with a body length of 120 cm.
Several species live in the forests of South and Central America marsupial rats, or possums... Some of them have a prehensile tail and climb trees well. The Amazonian forests are teeming with bats, among which there are species that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals.
Reptiles and amphibians are very richly represented in the forests. From reptiles the water boa anaconda (Eunectes murinus) and the land woody dog-headed boa constrictor (Corallus caninus) are distinguished. Many poisonous snakes, lizards. Crocodiles are found in the rivers. From amphibians many frogs, some of them are arboreal.
There are many different things in the forests birds, especially brightly colored parrots. The largest of the parrots, the macaw, is most typical. In addition, small passerine parrots and beautiful, brightly feathered green parrots are widespread. The most characteristic representatives of the avifauna of South America, in particular tropical forests, are hummingbirds. These small variegated birds feeding on the nectar of flowers are called insect birds.
The forests are also home to hoatsins(Opisthocomus hoatzin), whose chicks have claws on their wings that help them when climbing trees, sun herons and shuttle-beaked herons, harpies are huge birds of prey that prey on young deer, monkeys and sloths.
One of the features of the tropical forests of the mainland is a large number of insects, most of which are endemic. Day and night butterflies, various beetles and ants abound. Many butterflies and beetles are beautifully colored. Some beetles glow so brightly at night that you can read around them. Butterflies are huge; the largest of them is agrippa, its wingspan reaches almost 30 cm.
Savannahs, woodlands and steppes
Fauna more dry and open spaces South America - savannas, tropical woodlands, subtropical steppes - different from dense forests. Among predators, apart from the jaguar, the puma (found almost throughout South America and entering North America), the ocelot, and the pampa cat are widespread. A maned wolf from the canine family is characteristic of the southern part of the mainland. On the plains and in mountainous regions, the pampa fox is found almost throughout the mainland, in the extreme south - the Magellanic fox. Of the ungulates, the small Pampas deer is widespread.
In savannas, forests and arable lands, representatives of the third American family of edentulous are found - armadillos(Dasypodidae) - animals equipped with a strong bony shell. As danger approaches, they burrow into the ground.
From rodents in savannahs and steppes there are viscacha and tuko-tuko living in the land. The marsh beaver, or nutria, is widespread along the shores of water bodies, whose fur is highly valued in the world market.
From birds in addition to numerous parrots and hummingbirds, rhea (genus Rhea) also live - South American representatives of the order of ostrich-like, some large birds of prey.
In savannas and steppes, there are many the serpent and lizards... A characteristic feature of the landscapes of South America is a large number termite mounds... Parts of South America are periodically affected by locust infestations.
Andes
The mountain fauna of the Andes is distinguished by its peculiar features. It includes many endemic animals not found in the eastern part of the mainland.
Throughout the mountainous region, the South American representatives of the camelid family - the llama - are widespread. There are two types of wild llamas known - vigogne(vicuña - Vicugna vicugna, 
) and guanaco(Lama guanicoe, 
). In the past, the Indians hunted them for meat and wool. Guanaco was found not only in the mountains, but also on the Patagonian plateau and in Pampa. Nowadays, wild llamas are rare. Indians in the Andes breed two domestic species of llamas - the llama itself and the alpaca. Llamas are large and strong animals, they are used as pack animals on difficult mountain roads, their milk and meat are eaten, and coarse fabrics are made of wool. Alpaca (Lama pacos) are bred only for their soft coat.
The Andes are also home to spectacled bear, some marsupials. Small endemic rodents used to be widespread chinchillas(Chinchilla). Their soft, silky gray fur was considered one of the best and most expensive furs. Therefore, at present, the number of chinchillas has decreased significantly.
Birds are represented in the Andes by endemic mountain species of the same genera and families that are common in the east of the mainland. Of the predators, the most interesting is the condor (Vul griphus) - the largest representative of this order.
Fauna is distinguished by its extraordinary originality volcanic galapagos islands, in its composition the main place belongs to large reptiles- giant land turtles and sea lizards (iguanas). There are also many different birds, among which there are representatives of both tropical and Antarctic avifauna (parrots and penguins brought in by the cold current, cormorants, etc.). Among the few mammals are eared seals, some rodents and bats. Domestic animals (goats, dogs, pigs) were brought to the islands and became feral.
As a result of the destruction of habitats, the abundance of many animal species decreased... Currently in South America Endangered there are 161 species of mammals, 269 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians and 17 species of fish.
To protect animals, plants and ecosystems in general, reserves and protected areas other categories. In 2002, there were 706 protected areas in the five IUCN categories in South America, covering an area of almost IZ million hectares. Among the most famous national parks are Los Glaciares in Argentina, Iguazu in Brazil and Argentina, Itatia in Brazil, Vicente Perez Rosales in Chile and others. A biosphere reserve has also been created on the Galapagos Islands.
see also South America nature photos:
South America is the fourth largest continent, it lies in the southern hemisphere. Five climatic zones determine the characteristics of flora and fauna: equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate, most of the continent has a warm climate.
The flora and fauna are very rich, many species are found exclusively here. South America is a record holder in many ways, the longest and deepest river in the world, the Amazon, flows here, the longest mountain range of the Andes is located, the largest mountain lake Titicaca is located, it is the rainiest continent on earth. All this significantly influenced the development of wildlife.
The nature of different countries in South America:
Flora of South America
The flora of South America is rightfully considered the main wealth of the mainland. Such well-known plants as tomatoes, potatoes, corn, chocolate tree, rubber tree were discovered here.
The tropical rainforests of the northern part of the continent are still striking in their richness of species, and today scientists continue to discover new plant species here. In these forests there are different types of palms, melon tree. There are 750 species of trees and 1,500 species of flowers per 10 square kilometers of this forest.
The forest is so dense that it is extremely difficult to move through it, and vines also impede movement. Ceiba is a characteristic plant in the rainforest. The forest in this part of the mainland can reach heights of over 100 meters and spread over 12 levels!
To the south of the selva there are variably humid forests and savannas, where the quebracho tree grows, which is famous for its very hard and very heavy wood, valuable and expensive raw material. In savannas, small forests are replaced by thickets of grasses, shrubs and hard grasses.
Further south are the pampas - the South American steppes. Here you can find many types of herbs, common in Eurasia: feather grass, bearded vulture, fescue. The soil here is quite fertile, since there is less precipitation and it is not washed out. Shrubs and small trees grow among the grasses.
The south of the mainland is a desert, the climate there is more severe, and therefore the vegetation is much poorer. Shrubs, some grasses and grasses grow on the rocky soil of the Patagonia Desert. All plants are resistant to drought and constant weathering of the soil, among them - resinous chanyar, chukuraga, Patagonian fabiana.
Fauna of South America
The fauna, like vegetation, is distinguished by an enormous wealth; many species have not yet been described and qualified. The richest region is the Amazonian selva. It is here that such amazing animals as sloths, the world's smallest hummingbirds, a huge number of amphibians, including poisonous frogs, reptiles, including huge anacondas, the world's largest rodent, the capybara, tapirs, jaguars, and river dolphins, are found. At night, the wild cat ocelot hunts in the forest, resembling a leopard, but found only in America.
Scientists estimate that the jungle is home to 125 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and an unknown number of insect and invertebrate species. The aquatic world of the Amazon is also rich, its most famous representative is the predatory piranha fish. Other famous predators are crocodiles and caimans.
The savannas of South America are also rich in fauna. Here are found armadillos, amazing animals covered with plates - "armor". Other animals that can only be found here are anteaters, rhea ostriches, spectacled bear, cougar, kinkajou.
In the pampas of this continent, deer and llamas are found, which live in open spaces, and who can find here herbs on which they feed. The Andes have their own special inhabitants - llamas and alpacas, whose thick wool saves them from the high-mountainous cold.
In the deserts of Patagonia, where only tough grasses and small shrubs grow on stony soil, mainly small animals, insects, and various types of rodents live.
South America includes the Pacific Galapogos Islands, which are home to amazing turtles, the largest representatives of the family on earth.
