Patagonia

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Patagonia

Patagonia (/pætəˈɡoʊniə/, Spanish: [pataˈɣonja]) is a region encompassing the vast southernmost tip of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile, with the Andes Mountains as its dividing line.

Etymology

The name Patagonia comes from the word patagón used by Magellan to describe the native people whom his expedition thought to be giants. It is now believed that the people he called the Patagons were the Tehuelches, who tended to be taller than Europeans of the time.

Geography

The region comprises the southern section of the Andes Mountains, lakes, fjords, and glaciers in the west and deserts, tablelands and steppes to the east. Patagonia is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and many bodies of water that connect them, such as the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, and the Drake Passage to the south.

Flora and Fauna

Patagonia is known for its unique wildlife. Species include the Andean Condor, Puma, Southern Right Whale and the Magellanic Penguin. The flora of the region is diverse, from the grasslands of the eastern plains to the forested western regions, home to species such as the Patagonian Cypress and the Monkey Puzzle Tree.

Climate

The climate in Patagonia is diverse, ranging from a subpolar climate in the south to a desert climate in the north. The wind is a constant factor, with some cities reporting some of the strongest winds in the world.

Related Terms

External links

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