Previous Year Question
Consider the following countries.
I. Bolivia
II. Brazil
III. Colombia
IV. Ecuador
V. Paraguay
VI. Venezuela
Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries?
Only two
Only three
Only four
Only five
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The Andes mountain range is situated along the western part of South America. It passes through seven countries—Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
Examination of the given countries:
Country | Do the Andes pass through it? | Geographical fact |
I. Bolivia | Yes | The Central Andes, the Altiplano and the Western and Eastern Cordilleras are situated here. |
II. Brazil | No | Brazil lies east of the Andes; the Brazilian Highlands and the Amazon Basin are its prominent features. |
III. Colombia | Yes | In Colombia, the Andes divide into three major branches—the Western, Central and Eastern Cordilleras. |
IV. Ecuador | Yes | The Andes run north–south through the central part of the country, where numerous active volcanoes occur. |
V. Paraguay | No | Paraguay lies east of the Andes and mainly forms part of the Paraguay–Paraná lowlands and adjoining uplands. |
VI. Venezuela | Yes | The northern extension of the Andes enters western Venezuela as the Cordillera de Mérida. |
Therefore, the correct countries are:
Bolivia + Colombia + Ecuador + Venezuela = 4 countries
The Andes constitute the world’s longest continental mountain range. Their formation is primarily associated with the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. This convergent plate boundary produces mountain building, volcanic activity and earthquakes. Peru, Chile and Argentina, which are not included in the question’s list, are also Andean countries.