| A | B |
|---|
| civilization | culture that includes certain elements such as a system of writing, cities, and workers with specialized jobs |
| hieroglyphics | ancient form of writing that used signs and symbols |
| subsistence farming | small plot where a farmer grows only enough food to feed his own family |
| plantation | large farm that grows a single crop for sale |
| land bridge | narrow strip of land that joins two larger land masses |
| communist state | country whose government allows little or no private ownership of property and has strong control over the economy |
| service industry | provides services such as banking, education, and tourism rather than producing goods |
| hurricane | tropical storm with winds of more than 74 miles per hour and heavy rain |
| basin | low area surrounded by higher land |
| ethnic group | people who share a common culture, language or history |
| literacy rate | percentage of people who can read or write |
| Aztecs | ancient civilization found in central Mexico |
| Maya | ancient civilization found in the Yucatan Peninsula |
| Incas | ancient civilization found in South America |
| Christopher Columbus | claimed North America for Spain |
| Simon Bolivar | fought for South American independence |
