Identify two major physical divisions of North America mentioned in the content.

Western Cordilleras and Great Plains

Fill in the blank: The modern oceans formed as Panthalassa divided when the continents reached their current positions, resulting in the formation of the ___ Ocean and the ___ Ocean.

Atlantic; Indian

True or False: The Great Plains are primarily characterized by dense forests and mountainous regions.

False. The Great Plains are characterized by vast, semi-arid grasslands and high plateaus.

What is the significance of the Isthmus of Panama in relation to North America?

The Isthmus of Panama connects North America to South America and is the location of the Panama Canal, which links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Riddle: I am the longest river in North America, flowing through the heart of the continent. What am I?

Missouri River

What theory did Alfred Wegener propose to explain the movement of continents?

Continental Drift Theory explains movement.

• Continents were once joined.

• Proposed by Alfred Wegener.

• Explains geological features.

Fill in the blank: The highest point in North America is ___, located in Alaska.

Mount McKinley

Discuss how the Plate Tectonics Theory expanded on Wegener's ideas regarding continental movement.

Plate Tectonics expanded on Wegener's ideas.

• Mechanism for continental shift.

• Crust made of tectonic plates.

• Movement driven by Earth's heat.

True or False: The Great Lakes hold approximately 50% of the world's freshwater supply.

False. The Great Lakes hold about 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

What geographical feature is characterized by deep gorges and is located in the Colorado Plateau?

The Grand Canyon

Riddle: I am a cold desert located mainly in Nevada, known for my snowy precipitation. What am I?

Great Basin Desert

Describe the primary drainage system of the Great Plains.

The Great Plains are drained by the Missouri River and its tributaries, including the Red River, Rio Grande, and Arkansas River.

Fill in the blank: The Sierra Madre mountain range is located along Mexico's ___ coast and extends into Central America.

Pacific

What role do the Great Lakes play in the ecosystem of Ontario?

The Great Lakes Basin and its watersheds are vital for Ontario's ecosystem, supporting efficient marine transportation and various industries.