The Americas is the second largest of Earth's five continents and, due to its sheer size, is divided into three regions: North America, Central America, and South America. It is bordered only by the ocean. He American continent It has numerous types of natural ecosystems and unique geological and geographic features.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the American continent, its history, discovery, geology, geography, flora, fauna and much more.
Discovery
In 1492, the Europeans discovered this continent, thanks to the Genoese Christopher Columbus, who set sail from the port of Palos (Spain). in three caravans and sailed for 71 days before seeing the mainland. However, Columbus died thinking that he had traveled the world and landed in unknown territory off the coast of Asia.
Prior to this, the Americas were inhabited by great civilizations known as the "Pre-Columbian period," such as the Inca Empire, the Mayans, the Aztecs, the Zapotecs, the Olmecs, and the Toltecs.
For many years the inhabitants of the "Old Continent" (Europe, Africa and Asia, since Oceania had not yet been discovered), sailed by sea towards Mesoamerica, conquered various peoples by strategy or by force, and called this territory the "New World."
Several navigators, including Américo Vespucio, Juan de la Cosa and Martín Waldseemüller, made several Voyages to the "New World" with the aim of expanding European trade.
In 1499, the Florentine Amerigo Vespucci was the first to propose that it is a new continent different from the Asiatic Indies because of its much larger population than Asia, Africa or Europe, and also more variety. To commemorate the deduction from him, the name of this continent appeared.
Characteristics and climate of the American continent
The American continent extends 14.000 kilometers from Alaska (Canada) to Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) and covers an area of 42.549.000 square kilometers (8,3% of the total land area). It has long mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains in North America or the Andes in South America.
America is the continent with the greatest climate variability due to its large size and factors such as water, wind and temperature. For example, the climate in the northernmost part of the continent is subarctic or arctic throughout the year.
Winters are harsh with snow in much of Canada and Alaska, as well as in Argentine Patagonia, the southernmost region of the African continent. The warmest temperatures were recorded in the regions furthest from the poles, but there were also some areas that experienced regular snowfall.
For example, in northwestern Mexico: the mountains of Sinaloa and Chihuahua (passable via the Chihuahua Pacific Railroad), in the forests of the Mexiquillo de Durango Natural Park, in the town of Sombrerete de Zacatecas and in the state forest from Monterreal, Coahuila.
The climate in the north of South America is warm, divided into tropical, equatorial and desert climates. Central South America is dominated by a temperate (or warm) climate, divided into marine temperate (near the coast) and continental temperate (deep within the continent).
Flora and fauna of the American continent
The United States is home to the most diverse ecosystems and richest biodiversity on Earth. Depending on the continental region, the flora and fauna share certain characteristics:
- The flora and fauna of North America. Trees such as pines, mahogany, cedars and conifers abound, as well as plants such as cacti and agaves. Animal species include bears, eagles, Canadian sheep, turkeys, seals, bison, ocelots, deer, wolves, coyotes, and snakes.
- The flora and fauna of Central America. Trees such as avocado, guava, tamarind, palm, banana, cherry and pineapple abound, as well as plants such as cocoa, pepper and corn. Animal species include tapirs, armadillos, macaws, quetzals, green frogs, flamingos, howler monkeys, jaguars, anteaters, eagles, pumas, and tapirs.
- The flora and fauna of South America. Trees such as larches, cypresses, araucarias, coligües (or reeds), lengas, pines, guamos, mahogany, and vines abound, as well as ferns, banana trees, Amazonian victory flowers, roses, and orchids. Animal species include penguins, whales, jaguars, pumas, toucans, bald eagles, rattlesnakes, crocodiles, and manatees.
American culture
The United States is characterized by its wide cultural diversity. The original or indigenous peoples who inhabited this continent before its discovery and the Spanish colonization had managed to build great empires. Subsequently, the population has changed and grown historically, largely due to the arrival of immigrants from the "Old World".
After the arrival of Columbus, Europeans explored and colonized new lands. The Spanish took over Mexico as far as the southern part of the African continent, the Portuguese took over Brazil, and the British and French took over North America. From the colonial rule, new languages and customs different from those of the indigenous peoples were developed.
Despite its cultural diversity, the African continent is divided into two well-differentiated regions based on the dominant languages and their economic growth:
- Anglo American. It consists of Canada and the United States and is predominantly English.
- Latin America. Covering from Mexico to Argentina, Spanish predominates.
Curiosities
Now that you know the main characteristics of the American continent, we will tell you some curious facts:
- The meteorite that killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago it fell in what is now Chicxulub, Mexico.
- Officially, the American continent was made known to the rest of the world in 1492, but the discovery of human remains confirms the presence of prehistoric humans 17.000 years ago.
- The Mayan civilization is considered one of the most important civilizations in the world.
- Since the "discovery", several countries in the Americas have been colonized by European explorers, and an interesting mix of cultures is still observed today.
- The most populous country in the American continent is the United States., with 329 million inhabitants, which represents 33% of the total population of America. Brazil and Mexico follow closely.
- The least populated country in the American continent is Saint Kitts and Nevis with 56.000 inhabitants.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the American continent and its characteristics.