Parts of the world. Names and continents. Description, geographical location. Continents of the Earth and parts of the world: names and descriptions Which continents are in one part of the world

Geology is the study of the structure of our planet. Since it defines continents as land masses with a continental structure, the question of their number is within the competence of tectonics. Exploring the question of how many continents are on Earth, this section of science identifies six areas isolated by water. This is due to the fact that the seas and oceans take up much more space on the surface of the planet. While land accounts for about 30% (almost 150 million km²), everything else is occupied by water.

How many continents are on Earth?

The hard shell of the Earth is usually divided into 6 continents: Eurasia, Northern and South America, Africa, Australia, as well as Antarctica.

• The largest continent is Eurasia(54.6 million km²);
• It is followed by the ancestral home of man - Africa(30.3 million km²);
• American parts of the earth's crust occupy an intermediate position ( Northern— 24.4 million km², South- 17.8 million km²);
• A huge space is occupied by cold Antarctica(about 14 million km²);
• And finally Australia characterized by the smallest size (7.7 million km²).

It should be noted that for more than 4 billion years of the existence of the Earth, the number of continents on it has been different. Tectonic processes are carried out regularly, and therefore it is possible that further changes are coming in the distant future. And there will be no longer six continents, but more (or less).

Eurasia is the largest continent on the planet (54.6 million km²)

This area of ​​the earth's crust occupies more than one third of the entire land mass. Its conditional division into Asia and Europe is usually carried out along the straits, seas and mountains.

If in the south the border is determined by the Bosporus and Dardanelles, then in the north it is the Ural Mountains. In the middle part, the border runs along the basins of the Black and Azov Seas. From the outer borders, the huge continent is washed by all the existing oceans. The diversity of the relief of Eurasia is determined by its location on 6 continental platforms. Due to similar tectonic features, its coastline is characterized by its heterogeneity and a significant number of lithospheric formations.

In addition, the mainland boasts the presence of all climatic zones, which explains the diversity of natural habitats. The same equatorial belt in the south contrasts sharply with the Arctic in the north. Of the interesting facts, one can note the presence of a chain of the highest mountains (Himalayan system) and the largest freshwater lake (Baikal). Vast plains, suffocating deserts, hot jungles - all this is present on the territory of Eurasia. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the world's population lives here. Almost a hundred independent states are compactly located within the boundaries of its space.

Africa is the ancestral home of man (30.3 million km²)

This continent is not only the hottest on the planet, but also the oldest in terms of the development of civilization.

This is the cradle of man himself. It was here that traces of the first ancestor of all people inhabiting the planet were found. Unlike the previous continent, Africa is located on the same lithospheric platform, which leads to some similarity of natural zones. The relief of the mainland is mostly represented by plains. For example, here you can find the largest desert in the world (Sahara).

A few mountains are represented only at the edges. Africa also boasts the longest river (Nile), which flows through almost the entire continent. The variety of climatic zones here is much less than in the same Eurasia: from equatorial to subtropical. At the same time, the number of states present on the continent is quite large - over 60 countries.

North America - a find of a Florentine explorer (24.4 million km²)

This area of ​​the earth's crust appeared on topographic maps relatively recently. Only a few centuries ago, its presence was discovered by a Florentine traveler named Amerigo. According to the tradition of the learned society, the mainland subsequently received his name. It existed, however, for a long time. And its indigenous population were Eskimos (in the north) and Indians (everywhere). Europeans began to explore North America only in the 16th century.

The mainland is washed by three oceans: the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.

Its coastline is characterized by the presence of a large number of different formations, which was the result of active tectonic processes. If the middle part is occupied mainly by plains, then chains of colorful mountains stretch along the edges of North America. To the east, this is the Appalachian system, and to the west, the Cordillera.

In addition, the largest existing island on Earth (Greenland) is represented not far from the mainland. The diversity of natural zones is due to the presence of almost all climatic zones. However, water resources were distributed extremely unevenly: most of the lakes and rivers are located in the north. Another feature of North America is the placement of its states on a geographical map. Only 3 of the total (and a total of 23 countries) are located on the mainland. The rest of the states are located on small islands.

South America - an amazing find of Columbus (17.8 million km²)

This continent might well bear his name, if he were not so sure that he opened another way to the already known India. Subsequently, in the wake of his route, European expeditions were sent, which discovered a new piece of land. Starting from the 16th century, the colonial conquests of Europeans led to the displacement of the indigenous population (Incas). Now there are 12 countries on this earthly ledge. Along the edges of the mainland is washed by the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Most of the land is flat. However, there is also its own mountain system. The longest chain of mountains is called the Andes. They stretch along the entire coast in the West.

Another interesting feature of South America is the extremely frequent rains: in the equatorial zone, over time, the most abundant river system (the Amazon with tributaries) was formed. Despite the presence of six climatic zones, the mainland is considered to be the wettest. Since most of it is located just in the equator zone. Among the curious facts can be noted the dominance of Romance languages ​​in South American countries. Which looks quite natural, given the active development of local lands by European colonizers.

Antarctica is the southernmost part of the globe (about 14 million km²)

A characteristic feature of this continent is the ice "crust" on its surface. At the same time, its thickness in some places reaches 4 km. If we imagine that the ice cover of Antarctica will suddenly melt, then we need to prepare for a significant increase in the level (by more than 50 m!) of the world ocean. Due to the fact that the realm of ice is located on most of the land, the average temperature of the continent does not rise to the plus mark. Its average value is within -40 ºC. In such conditions, life exists only in the coastal area.

The smallest continent is washed by the waters of three oceans (with the exception of the 4th - the Arctic Ocean).

The Europeans discovered it much later than the others, although references to the “opposite Arctic” land were found even by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. Of the curious details, one can note the strongest solar radiation and the constancy of the movement of the wind. Which, of course, attracts researchers of alternative energy sources on Earth.

Australia is a selfish continent (7.7 million km²)

It received a similar name for the fact that only one state is located within its borders. The country of the same name takes the honorable sixth place among the giant states.

At the same time, only 22 million people live on its territory ... This is due to the arid climate of the continent, which led to the formation of a desert area on most of the Australian platform. A few river systems and mountain ranges are found only along the edges of the coast. And it is washed by such oceans as: Indian (in the southwest) and Pacific (in the northeast). A favorable climate for living is observed only in a small part of the territory.

At the same time, it is surprising that it is here that the largest number of so-called endemics are located: unique biological representatives of flora and fauna. As for the person, the Australian bushman is considered to be the native inhabitant. However, after the discovery of the continent at the beginning of the 17th century by European expeditions, other nationalities began to actively populate it. Now the official language of the Commonwealth of Australia is a dialect of English.

difference between island and mainland

There is another issue that needs clarification. How to designate the difference between the island and the mainland, given the similarity of their definition? After all, both those and other ledges of land are equally washed by water. However, there are still differences, let's try to list them:

1. Dimensions. The islands are much smaller. Even the largest of them is far inferior to "small" Australia;
2. Education. Unlike islands, continents were formed as a result of the split of lithospheric plates. If at the dawn of the existence of the planet there was a single indivisible continent, then cracks appeared that led to its division into parts. This is easily detected even with the naked eye, looking at a topographic map. The outlines of the edges of the continental plates are too similar to deny the obvious. They are very easy to mentally assemble, like puzzles. Islands sometimes have a completely different reason for their formation. For example, this may be due to the activity of marine polyps or volcanic eruptions;
3. Habitability. Unlike populous continents, not all islands are inhabited.

continental patterns. How many continents are there?

Often people do not make a difference between the designations of the continent and the mainland, believing that these are synonyms. However, this is not the case, since the former include only those parts of the earth's land that do not have a land boundary.

Therefore, the two Americas are united into one American continent, and Africa, respectively, into Eurasia.

But such a division into 4 continents is not supported by all modern countries. Afro-Eurasia is recognized only by English-speaking states with China and India. Also, not everyone agrees with the very principle of division, suggesting taking other factors as a basis.

Historical and cultural concept of "parts of the world", their names

If science deals with the difference between the concepts of “continent” and “mainland”, then history deals with the etymology of the origin of the “part of the world”. It was she who determined the significant cultural difference between the above-mentioned terms. At the same time, the total number (6 parts) is the same for them. Eurasia was divided on historical and cultural grounds into Europe and Asia, and the two Americas, on the contrary, were united into the New World.

The territory of Oceania was added to Australia. Otherwise, the usual picture remained, the writing of which people have been doing since ancient times. That is, long before scientific research. Only knowledge about the culture of the local population and its history was taken into account.

Video - Geography for children

Especially for children, simplified encyclopedias are compiled, with the designation of all geographical names. And the map of the world is characterized by the image of already studied continents. For example, in an educational video, you can see and hear not only the names of land areas, but also the animals living on them. Other interesting facts are also given in order to captivate the young viewer. For example, the geographical importance of the Amazon river system or the cold climate of Antarctica.

In another video, young listeners will learn not only how many continents there are on Earth, but also how they differ from parts of the world. The children themselves ask Professor Pervokhodtsev their own questions, to which he then answers them. For example, he reveals the secret of the existence of a once single continent and predicts its formation in the future. It also lifts the curtain on the riddle of the name of the Solomon Islands. And whoever is a particularly attentive and patient spectator will wait for a detailed description of the state of Tunisia.

Parts of the world and continents sometimes have similar names. However, there is a big difference between these two concepts. And the essence of the differences is not even that partly one concept was formed historically, and the other geologically, but in the definitions themselves.

Part of the world is the mainland or part of it, together with the nearest islands. Part of this type of division is due to cultural boundaries and the original racial composition of the population.

The parts of the world are:

• Antarctica;
• America (both, no division);
• Africa;
• Asia;
• Australia;
• Europe.

The mainland is a large part of the land, which is washed by the ocean. When dividing into continents, only geological factors are taken into account, but there are different continental models.

Some suggest distinguishing 7 continents:

• Africa;
• Europe;
• Asia;
• North America;
• South America;
• Australia;
• Antarctica.

Others divide only into 4 continents - Afro-Eurasia, America, Australia, Antarctica.

But the most common option is 6 continents:

• Eurasia;
• Africa;
• Australia;
• Antarctica;
• North America;
• South America.

Parts of the world and continents, differences.

Unlike the model with 7 continents, this option takes into account the fact that Europe and Asia are on the same common land mass, Africa is separated from Eurasia by a thin isthmus (interrupted by the Suez Canal), the Americas are also separated by a thin isthmus with a canal.

Europe

Parts of the world (names) and continents have similarities. So, on the mainland of Eurasia, in the west, southwest, Europe is located. As part of the world, Europe is limited to the east by the Ural Mountains, the Embe River (to the Caspian Sea), and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean.

The southern border runs along the seas:

• Mediterranean;
• Black;
• Marble;
• Aegean.

In the north, part of the world is bounded by the Arctic Ocean. The area of ​​this part of the world is 10180000 sq. km. The climate, in most of the territory, is temperate, but closer to the northern borders it is replaced by continental, subarctic and arctic. Near the southern borders, the climate is Mediterranean and semi-desert. Most of western Europe has an oceanic climate.

This part of the world includes almost all natural areas. There are 2 types of tundra, and 2 types of steppes, mountain, Mediterranean and broad-leaved forests, taiga.

The highest point in Europe is Mont Blanc (4808 m), the lowest is the Caspian Sea, -27 m. The largest lakes are Ladoga, Chudskoye and Onega.

The main geographical feature is a large number of peninsular inhabited territories and islands, including those located far from the mainland (for example, Iceland). The most unique animal that lives only in Europe and is listed in the Red Book of Russia is the muskrat. There is only 1 subspecies - the Pyrenean muskrat. There are external differences between them, but the way of life differs slightly.

One of the endemic plants is Hyacinth Pallas. In the wild, the flower is found in the Rostov region of Russia and Ukraine. It blooms with blue flowers collected in a brush. Another endemic is Ulex Galla, a low-growing shrub with medium-sized yellow flowers belonging to the legume family.

Among the geographical features of particular interest is the Icelandic waterfall Glufrafoss, which flows into the cave. To appreciate the uniqueness of the object, it is necessary not only to look at the waterfall from afar, but also to get into the cave. It looks like water is falling out of nowhere.

Asia

Parts of the world (names) and continents similar in sound did not bypass Asia either, it is located on the same continent as Europe, but to the east of the Ural Mountains. There is also a border between Africa and Asia - the Suez Canal. It is interesting that in ancient times the border passed along the famous African Nile River.

Asia is washed by the Arctic, Indian oceans and seas related to the inland waters of the Atlantic Ocean - Azov, Marble, Black, Mediterranean, Aegean. The area of ​​the part of the world is 43475 thousand square meters. km.

The highest point in Asia - 8848 m, Mount Everest (Chomolungma), the lowest point - the Dead Sea, -407 m.

All climatic zones are found in Asia - arctic (Siberia), equatorial, monsoon, continental, semi-desert and desert, tropical.

The main geographical feature is the highest mountains (Himalayas) and plateaus in the world, the plateaus of Tibet. Unique bulls, yaks are also bred here, and wild individuals are also found. Domestic animals are used as pack animals, meat, milk are also eaten.

A unique but widely known plant is ginseng. All varieties, except for spotted ginseng, grow wild exclusively in Asia. The plant has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times, now it is used as a tonic, adaptogen.

Of interest is such a natural landmark as the volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes about 30 active and 300 extinct volcanoes.

It is also noteworthy that they are located in different parts of the peninsula and in different specially protected natural parks, but they are considered one object. Interestingly, the exact number of volcanoes in Kamchatka cannot be calculated, and different sources indicate a different number - from 3-4 hundreds (both active and dormant) to more than a thousand.

Africa

Parts of the world (names) and continents that coincide geographically in whole or in part are a common occurrence and Africa is one of them. This includes the entire territory of the mainland of the same name east of the Suez Canal and adjacent islands, such as Madagascar and St. Helena. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa - 5895 m, the lowest point is Lake Assal -157 m.

Africa is washed by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Territory - 30221532 sq. km. It is interesting that the equator line passes almost through the center of the mainland, however, due to the specifics of the climate, natural zones are not mirrored on both sides. Nevertheless, all climatic zones are present on the mainland, ranging from northern subtropical to southern.

Despite the fact that the Sahara desert is most often associated with that part of the world, there are vast wetlands in Africa. They are located in the central part of the mainland and on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, where all African forests are concentrated.

In the Namib Desert, a plant has been preserved that cannot be found anywhere else - Velvichia is amazing. It can grow up to 1000 years, growing only 2 leaves in its entire life. However, the leaves can be longer than 3 meters and grow very slowly. Interestingly, the plant is so unique that it is depicted on the state emblem of the country of Namibia.

In Africa, the only representative of the okapi genus lives - Johnston's okapi. It is a short, artiodactyl herbivore similar to a hybrid of a horse and a giraffe, but with stripes on its legs.

Of the geographical features, the most famous and most visited is the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. This is the only waterfall that is more than a kilometer wide (1800 m). It is higher than Niagara Falls, and the “fog” formed from falling water sometimes rises above 400 m.

North America

Part of the world and the mainland with this name is located in the northern part of the Western Hemisphere of the Earth.

Oceans wash North America:

1. Arctic.
2. Atlantic.
3. Quiet.

In the south it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The area of ​​the part of the world is 24365000 sq. km. North America in its northern part is similar to similar latitudes in Eurasia. The only difference is that the north of the continent comes closer to the North Pole, due to Greenland and the Canadian archipelago. In North America, only the equatorial climate zone is missing.

The north is occupied by tundra, arctic deserts. Most of the western territory of North America is occupied by mountains and only on the coast the situation changes and the north and south of the coast are divided by the taiga climatic zone and the Mediterranean. The eastern part is more diverse.

The tundra is replaced by a taiga climate, then a zone of mixed and variable-humid forests, in the east, and next to the mountains there is only a zone of steppes or forest-steppes.

Due to the dense population of the mainland, wildlife can be found either in uninhabitable areas or in reserves. So, one of the samples of wildlife is located in the Yellowstone National Park. In it, nature typical of the middle lane, the animal world is complemented by bison, snow goats, and wolverines. There is also information about the habitat in the park of turtles.

In the northwest of Yellowstone, 2000 mm of precipitation per year will fall, which is not typical for this natural area. Interestingly, the park is located inside a huge caldera of a dormant ancient volcano. This partly explains the microclimate and the amount of winter precipitation in the area.

One of the unique plants not found in other parts of the world is the Florida yew. It is a shrub, rarely a tree, not higher than 10 m in height, the diameter of the trunk does not exceed 40 cm. The species belongs to those on the verge of destruction. In Mexico, unique cacti of the genus Mamillaria grow.

A specific endemic animal is the water rabbit. It differs from the ordinary one by its small ears and way of life. The animal settles near water bodies and is able to swim across medium-sized water bodies. To hide from predators, the rabbit completely hides under water, leaving only its nose outside to breathe.

South America

Part of the world, only partially coinciding with the name of the mainland and symbolically separated from its other half - South America. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere, in the west, only a small part is located in the Northern Hemisphere. South America is washed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the Caribbean Sea.

The Isthmus of Panama between the 2 Americas simultaneously connects the continents and separates parts of the world, especially after the appearance of the Panama Canal. Part of the world covers an area of ​​17,840,000 square meters. km.

There are 5 types of climate in this part of the world - tropical, subtropical, temperate, equatorial and subequatorial. Therefore, despite one of the most severe deserts, Atacama, South America is the wettest part of the world.

One of the features - the most extensive rainforests in the world, in the Amazonian lowland, around the Amazon River.

It is noteworthy that the entire territory of the jungle has not yet been fully explored. On the other side, the Andes mountains separate an insignificant strip of deserts in the west of the mainland from the rest of the territory, humid, relatively warm. It is noteworthy that the very south of the world in terms of climate differs little from the climate of central Russia. So, in Argentina, exactly the same birches and pines grow.

To understand that this is exactly South America is possible only by parrots sitting on unremarkable trees. Of interest is the unique waterfall - Angel, 979 m high. It is believed that this is the highest waterfall in the world. Another name for the object is Kerepakupai-meru.

A unique representative of the local vegetation is Rosyanka Roraima. This insectivorous plant grows in the Guiana Highlands, in swampy, humid places. Sundew blooms with small white flowers. The plant is crimson red in color, the leaves are collected in a rosette, covered with hairs that secrete a special sticky liquid necessary to catch insects and digest them.

Representative of the animal world, not found in other parts of the world - Mountain tapir. They are found only in some parts of the Andes in Ecuador, northern Peru, Colombia. The species is considered endangered.

Australia

Parts of the world (names) and continents that coincide almost completely include Australia. It is located in the southern hemisphere of the planet, among the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

It is also washed by the seas:

• Timorese;
• coral;
• Tasmanovo.

Australia includes New Guinea, Tasmania, Solomon Islands, New Zealand. Area - 8510000 sq. km.

Australia is the most deserted part of the world. The mainland, after which the part of the world is named, almost entirely consists of various deserts, only on the coast the situation changes. Only due to the islands and the coast of the mainland in Australia there is a temperate, subtropical, humid and equatorial climate. It is also an interesting feature that most of the rivers in Australia are dry.

Australia and Oceania are rich in endemic species of animals and birds. One of the birds is little known, unlike the kiwi, the ostrich, or animals such as the kangaroo or the Tasmanian devil, the kakapo parrot. The bird is on the verge of extinction and is considered the oldest bird species alive today. The peculiarity of kakapo is that they do not fly and lead an evening and nocturnal lifestyle.

The only way to fly is to claw up a tree and glide.

Wild eucalyptus is a tree that is not found anywhere except Australia and Oceania. Cultivation is possible in any favorable conditions and is common, for the extraction of essential oil and for decorative purposes. The only exception is the rainbow eucalyptus, which grows in the Northern Hemisphere.

The most famous and interesting geographical feature is Mount Aires Rock or Uluru. It is about 6 million years old, there are many drawings of ancient natives on the surface. Moreover, the indigenous people considered Uluru a sacred place.

Antarctica

The mainland and part of the world Antarctica are located in the very south of the planet, the center of the mainland approximately coincides with the South Pole. Area - 14107000 sq. km.

Washing oceans	Atlantic, Pacific, Indian.
characteristic plants	Clobanthus kito, antarctic meadow, various fungi, lichens, mosses, algae.
unique animals	The emperor penguin is the heaviest and largest penguin species in existence today.
Specific geographic feature	Erebus volcano. Feature - an eruption without lava, ash. Erebus ejects exclusively crystalline forms. There is a unique lava lake in the crater.
Geographic features	Part of the world is covered with ice.

Part of the world is mostly glacier, sometimes breaking off at the edges and forming icebergs. The glacier is pierced by mountain peaks - the maximum height is 4892 m. The direction of the winds is from the center of Antarctica to the ocean. Most plants appear in the summer on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctica is characterized by a polar day and a polar night, when you can see the aurora. But this phenomenon is more impressive at the opposite end of the globe.

The names that parts of the world and continents bear are known to everyone. However, they do not say anything about the features of the continents. Most often, the names were formed historically or were given in honor of the discoverers. However, it is important to distinguish between continents and parts of the world.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about parts of the world

Continents and parts of the world. The world:

A continent is a very large piece of land surrounded by seas and oceans. Sometimes continents are called continents (do not confuse with parts of the world).

More than 200 million years ago, the land on Earth was a single entity. This super-giant continent was called "Pangaea", which is translated from the language of the ancient Hellenes as "One Earth". About 180 million years ago, the split of Pangea began, which continues to this day. Parts of the large mainland separated and moved away from each other for long distances.

Now on Earth there are 6 continents:

1. Eurasia is the largest continent on our planet (its area is 54.6 million sq. km)
2. Africa (30.3 million sq. km)
3. North America (24.4 million sq. km)
4. South America (17.8 million sq. km)
5. Antarctica (14.1 million sq. km)
6. Australia (7.7 million sq. km)

The largest continent is Eurasia, the smallest is Australia.

Four continents have a land border: Eurasia and Africa are separated by the Isthmus of Suez, North and South America - the Isthmus of Panama.

All continents are separated from each other by oceans. The largest in size is the Pacific Ocean, the smallest is the Arctic Ocean.

Each continent has its own climatic conditions, flora and fauna.

Eurasia

Eurasia is the largest continent, occupying 1/3 of the land. Two parts of the world are located here at once: Europe and Asia. The border between them runs along the line of the Ural Mountains, the Black and Azov Seas, as well as the straits connecting the Black and Mediterranean Seas.

This is the only continent that is washed by all the oceans.. The coastline is indented, it forms a large number of bays, peninsulas, islands. The mainland itself is located immediately on six tectonic platforms, and therefore the relief of Eurasia is incredibly diverse.

Here are the most extensive plains, the highest mountains (the Himalayas with Mount Everest), the deepest lake (Baikal). This is the only continent where all climatic zones (and, accordingly, all natural zones) are represented at once - from the arctic with its permafrost to the equatorial with its sultry deserts and jungles. Hence the diversity of animals and plants.

¾ of the world's population (75%) lives on the mainland, 108 states are located here, of which 94 have the status of independent.

Here is the narrowest strait - the Bosphorus, separating Asia and Europe, and the shallowest strait in the world - the Kerch, connecting the Azov and Black Seas.

In Eurasia are:
- The coldest point on the globe: Oymyakon
- The lowest point in the world: the Dead Sea basin
- Highest point in the world: Tibet

The most significant part of Eurasia is occupied by Russia, and in the north is the most mysterious country of ice - Iceland, the territory of extinct and active volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls.

What animals live on the continent of Eurasia?

The fauna of the continent is made up of animals from the Arctic (polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses...), taiga (reindeer, Ussuri tiger...), forests (hare, fox, wolf, bear, lynx...), and from inhabitants of the tropics and subtropics (snakes, tigers, elephants, monkeys...).

Africa

Africa is the hottest continent on Earth. It is located on an ancient platform, so most of the area is occupied by plains, and mountains are formed along the edges of the mainland. Africa is home to the longest river in the world, the Nile, and the largest desert, the Sahara. Climate types presented on the mainland: equatorial, subequatorial, tropical and subtropical.

Africa is usually divided into five regions: North, South, West, East and Central. There are 62 countries on the mainland.

If Eurasia is usually called the cradle of civilization, then the hottest continent became the ancestral home of all mankind - it was here that the world's oldest remains of early hominids were discovered. About 1 billion people live in Africa today.

Africa is washed by two seas - the Mediterranean in the north and the Red in the northeast, and two oceans - the Atlantic in the west and the Indian in the east and south.

The Equator runs right through the middle of the African continent. The air temperature here always exceeds 20°C, and winter differs from summer only in the amount of precipitation. The hot climate could be conducive to the cultivation of agricultural crops and bring up to three harvests per year. However, water scarcity prevents this continent from becoming a tropical paradise - most of the territory is occupied by catastrophic drought zones.

Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, may be in for a surprise - it's actually a dormant volcano that hasn't erupted yet.

Under the sands of the Sahara hides an underwater lake, whose area is 375 m².

Africa ranks first in the world in terms of uranium, copper and diamond reserves.

What animals are found on the African continent?

North America

North America is washed by the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The result of the movement of tectonic plates was a heavily indented coastline of the mainland, with a huge number of bays, straits, bays and islands. The largest island is in the north (Greenland).

In the north, the American continent goes far beyond the Arctic Circle, its lands are glaciers devoid of vegetation.

The Cordillera Mountains stretch along the western coast, and the Appalachians along the eastern coast. In the west (northern Alaska) is the highest part of the mainland - Mount McKinley, whose height exceeds 6 km above sea level. The central part is occupied by a vast plain.

All climatic zones are represented here, except for the equatorial one, which determines the diversity of natural zones from the arctic desert to the subtropics. Most rivers and lakes are located in the northern part. The largest river is the Mississippi.

The indigenous people are Indians and Eskimos. Currently, 23 states are located here, of which only three (Canada, the United States and Mexico) are on the mainland itself, the rest are on the islands.

What animals are found in North America?

South America

South America is washed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Along the west coast stretches the world's longest mountain system - the Andes, or South American Cordillera. The rest of the mainland is occupied by plateaus, plains and lowlands.

This is the rainiest continent, since most of it is located in the equator zone. Here is the largest and most abundant river in the world - the Amazon.

The indigenous people are the Indians. Currently, there are 12 independent states on the territory of the mainland.

In South America, in Venezuela, there is the highest Angel Falls on the planet - its height is 1,283 meters.
Off the coast of South America is the natural lighthouse of Izalco - a volcano that erupts magma and smoke every 8 minutes.

What animals are found in South America?

Australia

Australia is the only continent with only 1 state - the Commonwealth of Australia. Most of the mainland is occupied by plains, mountains are located only along the coast.

From the west and south, the mainland is washed by the Indian Ocean, from the north by the Arafura and Timor seas of the Indian Ocean, from the east by two seas of the Pacific Ocean: Coral and Tasman.

Australia is a unique continent that has the largest number of endemic animals and plants (they are not found on any other continent in the world). The indigenous people are Australian Aborigines, or Bushmen.

Australia is a third of the arid desert.

What animals are found in Australia?

Antarctica

Antarctica is the southernmost continent completely covered in ice. The average thickness of the ice cover is 1600 m, the largest is 4000 m. If the ice in Antarctica melted, the level of the world's oceans would immediately rise by 60 meters.

Most of the mainland is occupied by an icy desert, life is glimmering only on the coasts. Antarctica is also the coldest continent. In winter, temperatures can drop below -80 ºC (record -89.2 ºC), in summer - up to -20 ºC.

Antarctica is still a territory that does not belong to any country. However, 16 countries have already set up their bases in Antarctica and are actively studying it. Despite the absence of a population and territorial affiliation to any state, Antarctica has its own flag, telephone code, and even an Internet domain.

What animals live in Antarctica?

Penguins, fur seals, elephant seals, crabeater seal, sea leopard, blue whale, killer whale, albatross.

Grade 3 students get acquainted with maps, meet the terms "mainland", "part of the world". What are parts of the world and continents? How to distinguish them? How many? The article has answers to these questions.

What is a mainland?

Continent - a concept associated with the structure of our planet. The solid shell of the Earth is uneven, there are protrusions and depressions on its surface. The recesses are filled with water, these are the oceans. The ledges rise above the surface of the oceans in the form of large areas of land, these are continents or continents.

So, the mainland is a large area of ​​land, surrounded by oceans on all sides.

How many continents are on the map?

Let's study the world map and list the continents:

• Eurasia,
• Africa,
• North America,
• South America,
• Australia,
• Antarctica.

North and South America, Africa and Eurasia are located in pairs, as they are connected to each other by narrow isthmuses (Panamanian and Suez); for the convenience of navigation, channels were laid through the isthmuses.

Rice. 1. Continents, map.

Continents on the map of the hemispheres

On the map of the hemispheres, it can be seen that in the western there are only 2 American continents, in the east all the rest, except for Antarctica, which is located in the region of the South Pole.

If you look at the globe from the side of Antarctica, you can see the "oceanic" hemisphere, where only Australia and Antarctica are located, almost all the rest of the space is occupied by the World Ocean.

What is part of the world?

Ideas about the parts of the world, their names appeared gradually, as they were discovered. At first, Africa was discovered (late 15th century), then the islands of the Caribbean, followed by the adjacent territories of North and South America (late 15th-early 16th centuries).

Then they did not yet know that these were 2 continents and called them by the same name America. Then came the turn of Australia (early 17th century). The most recent was Antarctica (early 19th century). Also, gradually new lands were depicted on maps.

Rice. 2. Medieval map of the world.

When talking about the discoveries of new territories, it should be remembered that the discoveries were made by European navigators, for them these were unknown areas, but they were all inhabited, various peoples lived everywhere, there were states.

Eurasia was “discovered” in exactly the same way - Europeans the Asian part, Asians the European part. Therefore, the mainland consists of 2 parts of the world - Europe and Asia. In Russia, the border between them along the Urals, the Caspian, the Caucasus, the Black and Mediterranean seas has been adopted.

In geography, there are 2 definitions of part of the world:

• these are large land masses, which include continents or parts of them together with adjacent islands;
• this is a cultural and historical concept, meaning parts of the land where (according to the discoverers) similar peoples live, flora and fauna with common features are observed.

How many parts of the world are on the map?

Let's find parts of the world on the map and list them: Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica.

Rice. 3. Map of the world, parts of the world.

Part of the world America consists of 2 continents, 2 parts of the world are placed in Eurasia.

For the first time, the extent of Siberia was "measured" during the First Kamchatka Expedition (20s of the 18th century) by Alexei Chirikov using astronomical observations.

What have we learned?

We learned that the continents and parts of the world are different concepts, found out what is their difference. We learned how many parts of the world are on Earth, their location on the planet. We saw the ancient and modern maps of the world and understood how the ideas about the Earth of scientists of different times have changed. We learned that the number of continents and parts of the world is the same, but they differ from each other.

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There is a difference between the concepts of "mainland" and "part of the world." The division into continents is made on the basis of separation by water space from other continents, and parts of the world are rather a historical and cultural concept. So, the Eurasia continent consists of two parts of the world - Europe and Asia. And part of the world America is located on two continents - South America and North America. In addition, parts of the world include the islands assigned to them, so that although there is no such continent Oceania, the corresponding islands are part of the world Australia and Oceania.

Old World and New World

The division into parts of the world should not be confused with the division into " Old World"And" New World", That is, with concepts denoting the continents known to Europeans before 1492 and after (except for Australia and Antarctica). All three "known to the ancient" parts of the world - Europe, Asia and Africa, were called the Old World, and the part of the southern transatlantic continent discovered by the Portuguese in and -1502 began to be called the New World. The term is believed to have been proposed by Amerigo Vespucci in 1503, however this view is disputed. A number of sources attribute this merit to the Italian-Spanish historian Pietro Martire d'Angiera (see Italian. - Pietro Martire d'Anghiera or Spanish - Pedro Martir de Angleria ), who already in a letter about the first voyage of Columbus, dated November 1, 1492, uses the designation in the Latin form “novi orbis”, then a year later in another letter transforms it into “orbis novus”, and in 1516 publishes a well-known work under the heading , beginning with "De orbe novo ..." ("In the New World ..."), describing the first contact of Europeans with the indigenous inhabitants of open lands. In 1524, the same term was used by Giovanni da Verrazzano - already for a story about sailing to the coast of present-day North America (USA and Canada). In any case, following the first discovered shores, the name New World began to be applied to the entire southern mainland, and since 1541, together with the name America, it has been extended to the northern mainland, denoting the fourth part of the world after Europe, Asia and Africa.

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See what "Parts of the World" is in other dictionaries:

The land regions of the Earth, including the continents or large parts of them, together with nearby islands. Usually, 6 parts of the world are distinguished Europe, Asia (one continent Eurasia), Africa, Australia, America (two continents South America and North America), Antarctica; ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Parts of the world- PARTS OF THE WORLD, regions of the land of the Earth, including the continents or their large parts together with nearby islands. Usually there are 6 parts of the world: Europe, Asia (one continent Eurasia), Africa, Australia, America (two continents South America and North ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Land regions of the Earth including continents or large parts of them together with nearby islands. Usually six parts of the land are distinguished - Europe, Asia, (one mainland Eurasia), Africa, Australia, America (two continents South America and North America), ... ... Marine Dictionary

PART, and, pl. and, she, w. Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

parts of the world- Conditional subdivision of large land areas with islands located near them, these include Asia, America, Antarctica, Africa, Europe, Oceania ... Geography Dictionary

The land regions of the Earth, including the continents or large parts of them, together with nearby islands. Usually 6 parts of the world are distinguished Europe, Asia (one continent Eurasia), Africa, Australia, America (two continents South America and North America), ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

The historically established division of the Earth's land mass into regions, including the Continents or parts thereof, together with the islands located near them. Usually allocate the following Ch. with.: Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, America, Antarctica; sometimes in... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

The land regions of the Earth, including the continents or large parts of them, together with nearby about you. Usually allocate 6 H. with. Europe, Asia (one continent Eurasia), Africa, Australia, America (two continents South America and North America), Antarctica; sometimes… … Natural science. encyclopedic Dictionary

parts of the world- Separate continents or vast areas of their territory, together with the islands located near them (about Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, America and Antarctica) ... Dictionary of many expressions

Overwhelmed with work, does not see the light of the free, loaded, busy up to the throat, burdened with work, burdened with work, loaded with work, there is no time to die, no time, work up to the throat, does not see the light, does not see the light of the free, loaded with affairs, ... ... Synonym dictionary

Books

• Around the world, part 2, c. 1. In Europe: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Great Britain, geographical reader, I. Gorbunov-Posadov. The proposed book was supposed to appear several years ago, following the appearance of the first part of the "Circle of the World", containing articles on physical geography, a general overview of the globe ...