A classic map-based question solvable with a standard Oxford Atlas. While some ecology books (like Majid Hussain) loosely group Brazil's fringe in 'Andean biodiversity zones', the physical mountain range is strictly defined by the 7 Andean States. This tests your ability to distinguish between a 'Geological Feature' (the range) and an 'Ecological Region'.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Do the Andes Mountains pass through Bolivia?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Types of Plateau > p. 23
Presence: 5/5
“When plateaux are enclosed by fold mountains, they are known as intermont plateaux. Examples are the Tibetan Plateau between the Himalayas and the Kunlun, and the Bolivian Plateau between two ranges of the Andes. Intermont plateaux are some of the highest and the most extensive plateaux in the world. 2. Volcanic plateaux. Molten lava may issue from the Earth's crust and spread over its surface to form successive sheets of basaltic lava. These solidify to form a lava plateau. Some of the better known volcanic plateaux are the Antrim Plateau of Northern Ireland and the north-western part of the Deccan Plateau.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly names the Bolivian Plateau as lying between two ranges of the Andes
- Directly links a named Bolivian landform to the Andes mountain system
FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Railways RailwaysRailways > p. 58
Presence: 3/5
“Only Chile, among the remaining countries has a considerable route length linking coastal centres with the mining sites in the interior. Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela have short single-track rail-lines from ports to the interior with no inter-connecting links. There is only one trans-continental rail route linking Buenos Aires (Argentina) with Valparaiso (Chile) across the Andes Mountains through the Uspallatta Pass located at a height of 3,900 m. In Asia, rail network is the most dense in the thickly populated areas of Japan, China and India. Other countries have relatively few rail routes. West Asia is the least developed in rail facilities because of vast deserts and sparsely populated regions.”
Why this source?
- Discusses Bolivia alongside other South American countries in a paragraph about routes and the Andes region
- Places Bolivia in the same geographic context as the trans-Andes rail discussion, supporting Bolivia's location in the Andean zone
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Presence: 3/5
“Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Fig. 3.2 shows pictures of six mountains of the world. Fig. 3.3 brings them together to give a visual impression of their relative heights from top to bottom. Mount Everest (between Tibet (China) and Nepal) and Kanchenjunga (between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim) are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range. Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.”
Why this source?
- States the Andes are a major mountain range in South America
- Provides regional context that the Andes span South America, the continent where Bolivia is located
Statement 2
Do the Andes Mountains pass through Brazil?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > south America > p. 7
Presence: 5/5
“It contains a large number of endemic species of plants and animals.• 7. Chilean Winter Rainfall (Valdivian) Forests Tis biodiversity hotspot stretches over the Andes mountains. Atacama Desert and low level areas of Chile along the coast of Pacifc Ocean. It contains rich endemic species of fauna and fora.• 8. Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena It is bordered by two other hotspots, i.e. Meso-America to the north and the tropical Andes to the east. It has great diversity in fauna and fora.• 9. Tropical Andes Sprawling over the equatorial Andes Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, it is one of the smallest biodiversity hotspots of the world, but has rich endemic plants and animals.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly names Brazil as part of the Tropical Andes distribution.
- Refers to the Tropical Andes as sprawling over equatorial Andes including Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Presence: 3/5
“Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Fig. 3.2 shows pictures of six mountains of the world. Fig. 3.3 brings them together to give a visual impression of their relative heights from top to bottom. Mount Everest (between Tibet (China) and Nepal) and Kanchenjunga (between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim) are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range. Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.”
Why this source?
- Identifies the Andes as a principal mountain range of South America.
- Provides continental context that supports assessing which South American countries the Andes traverse.
Statement 3
Do the Andes Mountains pass through Colombia?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > 1. Tropical Evergreen Rainforest Biome > p. 5
Presence: 5/5
“3.2). Te largest area of this biome is found in Amazon Basin (South America), Congo Basin (Africa) and the countries of South-East Asia. Te Amazon basin is the largest tract of tropical rainforest which is called as selvas. In addition, tropical rainforests cover the equatorial regions of Africa, Indonesia, Malabar coast, hilly tracts of north east India, the Madagascar and low-lying areas of south-east Asian countries, the Pacifc coast of Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and the eastern coast of Central America. Te 'cloud forest' at high elevation in the Andes Mountain, which remain perpetuated by high humidity and cloud cover are also the part of the tropical rainforest biome (Fig.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly links high‑elevation 'cloud forest' of the Andes to regions that include Colombia
- Pairs Colombia with Ecuador and Peru in a Pacific/coastal and high‑Andean ecological context, implying Andean presence in Colombia
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > south America > p. 7
Presence: 4/5
“It contains a large number of endemic species of plants and animals.• 7. Chilean Winter Rainfall (Valdivian) Forests Tis biodiversity hotspot stretches over the Andes mountains. Atacama Desert and low level areas of Chile along the coast of Pacifc Ocean. It contains rich endemic species of fauna and fora.• 8. Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena It is bordered by two other hotspots, i.e. Meso-America to the north and the tropical Andes to the east. It has great diversity in fauna and fora.• 9. Tropical Andes Sprawling over the equatorial Andes Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, it is one of the smallest biodiversity hotspots of the world, but has rich endemic plants and animals.”
Why this source?
- Identifies the 'Tropical Andes' in relation to the Tumbes‑Chocó‑Magdalena hotspot, a region located in the northern Andes corridor
- Places the equatorial/tropical Andes adjacent to biodiversity zones that include parts of Colombia
FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Railways RailwaysRailways > p. 58
Presence: 3/5
“Only Chile, among the remaining countries has a considerable route length linking coastal centres with the mining sites in the interior. Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela have short single-track rail-lines from ports to the interior with no inter-connecting links. There is only one trans-continental rail route linking Buenos Aires (Argentina) with Valparaiso (Chile) across the Andes Mountains through the Uspallatta Pass located at a height of 3,900 m. In Asia, rail network is the most dense in the thickly populated areas of Japan, China and India. Other countries have relatively few rail routes. West Asia is the least developed in rail facilities because of vast deserts and sparsely populated regions.”
Why this source?
- Groups Colombia with other Andean South American countries when describing interior rail connections from ports
- Discusses trans‑Andean transport across the mountain chain, situating the Andes as a continental feature affecting Colombia
Statement 4
Do the Andes Mountains pass through Ecuador?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > south America > p. 7
Presence: 5/5
“It contains a large number of endemic species of plants and animals.• 7. Chilean Winter Rainfall (Valdivian) Forests Tis biodiversity hotspot stretches over the Andes mountains. Atacama Desert and low level areas of Chile along the coast of Pacifc Ocean. It contains rich endemic species of fauna and fora.• 8. Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena It is bordered by two other hotspots, i.e. Meso-America to the north and the tropical Andes to the east. It has great diversity in fauna and fora.• 9. Tropical Andes Sprawling over the equatorial Andes Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, it is one of the smallest biodiversity hotspots of the world, but has rich endemic plants and animals.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly identifies the Tropical/Equatorial Andes as sprawling over Ecuador
- Names Ecuador alongside other Andean countries, directly linking the range to Ecuador
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Presence: 3/5
“Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Fig. 3.2 shows pictures of six mountains of the world. Fig. 3.3 brings them together to give a visual impression of their relative heights from top to bottom. Mount Everest (between Tibet (China) and Nepal) and Kanchenjunga (between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim) are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range. Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.”
Why this source?
- Places the Andes as the principal mountain range of South America
- Provides continental context that supports the Andes crossing multiple South American countries
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 118
Presence: 2/5
“• The Andes are formed due to convergence between the Nazca Plate (oceanic plate) and the South American Plate (continental plate). The Peru-Chile trench is formed due to the subduction of the Nazca plate.• The Andes are a continental arc (narrow, continental volcanic chain) formed due to the volcanism above the subduction zone.• The pressure offered by the accretionary wedge folded the volcanic mountain, raising the mountains significantly. The folding process is continuing, and the mountains are constantly rising. Volcanism is still active.• Western Chile Range (Chilean Coast Range): The range was separated from the Andes during the Tertiary rise of the Andes due to the subsidence of the Intermediate Depression.”
Why this source?
- Describes the Andes as a continental volcanic fold chain formed along western South America
- Explains geological processes that underlie the Andes' long north–south extent
Statement 5
Do the Andes Mountains pass through Paraguay?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Railways RailwaysRailways > p. 58
Strength: 5/5
“Only Chile, among the remaining countries has a considerable route length linking coastal centres with the mining sites in the interior. Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela have short single-track rail-lines from ports to the interior with no inter-connecting links. There is only one trans-continental rail route linking Buenos Aires (Argentina) with Valparaiso (Chile) across the Andes Mountains through the Uspallatta Pass located at a height of 3,900 m. In Asia, rail network is the most dense in the thickly populated areas of Japan, China and India. Other countries have relatively few rail routes. West Asia is the least developed in rail facilities because of vast deserts and sparsely populated regions.”
Why relevant
Describes a trans‑continental rail route linking Buenos Aires (Argentina) with Valparaiso (Chile) across the Andes, implying the Andes lie between Argentina and Chile along South America's western margin.
How to extend
A student could check a South America map to see that Paraguay lies east of Argentina/Bolivia and not on the western margin where such trans‑Andean routes exist.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Strength: 4/5
“Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Fig. 3.2 shows pictures of six mountains of the world. Fig. 3.3 brings them together to give a visual impression of their relative heights from top to bottom. Mount Everest (between Tibet (China) and Nepal) and Kanchenjunga (between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim) are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range. Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.”
Why relevant
States the Andes are a major mountain range in South America and notes Mount Aconcagua is in Argentina, indicating the range runs through western South American countries including Argentina.
How to extend
Compare the list/locations of countries mentioned (western ones) on a map to Paraguay's location to judge whether Paraguay is on the Andes chain.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 118
Strength: 5/5
“• The Andes are formed due to convergence between the Nazca Plate (oceanic plate) and the South American Plate (continental plate). The Peru-Chile trench is formed due to the subduction of the Nazca plate.• The Andes are a continental arc (narrow, continental volcanic chain) formed due to the volcanism above the subduction zone.• The pressure offered by the accretionary wedge folded the volcanic mountain, raising the mountains significantly. The folding process is continuing, and the mountains are constantly rising. Volcanism is still active.• Western Chile Range (Chilean Coast Range): The range was separated from the Andes during the Tertiary rise of the Andes due to the subsidence of the Intermediate Depression.”
Why relevant
Explains the Andes are formed by the Nazca–South American plate convergence and are a continental volcanic chain along the continent's western side (mentions Chile, Peru).
How to extend
Use the rule that the Andes follow the western margin of South America to check if Paraguay, which would need to lie on that western margin, is traversed by the Andes.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 119
Strength: 4/5
“• Ojos del Salado active volcano on the Argentina-Chile border in the Andes is the highest active volcano on earth at 6,893 m. (Olympus Mons (27 km) on Mars is the highest volcano in the solar system.• Mount Aconcagua (6,960 m, Argentina) in the Andes is the highest peak outside the Himalayas and the highest peak in the western hemisphere. It is an extinct volcano.”
Why relevant
Locates Mount Aconcagua specifically in Argentina within the Andes, reinforcing that key Andean peaks lie in Argentina/Chile region.
How to extend
Locate Argentina and its Andean areas on a map relative to Paraguay to see whether Paraguay shares those Andean regions.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 24: The Cool Temperate Eastern Margin (Laurentian) Climate > Distribution > p. 224
Strength: 3/5
“The only possible location is in eastern Patagonia, south of Bahia Blanca (lat. 39'S) to Tierra del Fuego (lat. 54" S). But the climatic barrier of the southern Andes is so complete, that the Westerlies hardly ever reach Patagonia. The region is subjected to aridity rather than continentality. Its annual precipitation is not more than 254 mm (10 inches), so that it is a rain-shadow desert.”
Why relevant
Describes the southern Andes as a climatic barrier affecting Patagonia east of the range, which shows the Andes form a distinct western barrier with eastern lowlands.
How to extend
Infer that countries in the eastern lowlands (not on the western barrier) are unlikely to be traversed by the Andes; check whether Paraguay lies in eastern lowlands.
Statement 6
Do the Andes Mountains pass through Venezuela?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
Strength: 4/5
“Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Fig. 3.2 shows pictures of six mountains of the world. Fig. 3.3 brings them together to give a visual impression of their relative heights from top to bottom. Mount Everest (between Tibet (China) and Nepal) and Kanchenjunga (between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim) are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range. Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.”
Why relevant
States that the Andes are a major mountain range in South America and names Mount Aconcagua as the highest peak of the Andes, establishing the Andes as a continent-spanning range.
How to extend
A student could take this rule (Andes span much of South America) and check a map to see which South American countries they cross, to test whether Venezuela is among them.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 118
Strength: 4/5
“• The Andes are formed due to convergence between the Nazca Plate (oceanic plate) and the South American Plate (continental plate). The Peru-Chile trench is formed due to the subduction of the Nazca plate.• The Andes are a continental arc (narrow, continental volcanic chain) formed due to the volcanism above the subduction zone.• The pressure offered by the accretionary wedge folded the volcanic mountain, raising the mountains significantly. The folding process is continuing, and the mountains are constantly rising. Volcanism is still active.• Western Chile Range (Chilean Coast Range): The range was separated from the Andes during the Tertiary rise of the Andes due to the subsidence of the Intermediate Depression.”
Why relevant
Explains the Andes form along the convergent margin of the South American Plate and an oceanic plate, implying the range follows the western continental margin of South America.
How to extend
Using a world map and the knowledge that Venezuela lies on the northern edge of South America, a student could judge whether the western-margin Andes would reach into Venezuela's territory.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > south America > p. 7
Strength: 3/5
“It contains a large number of endemic species of plants and animals.• 7. Chilean Winter Rainfall (Valdivian) Forests Tis biodiversity hotspot stretches over the Andes mountains. Atacama Desert and low level areas of Chile along the coast of Pacifc Ocean. It contains rich endemic species of fauna and fora.• 8. Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena It is bordered by two other hotspots, i.e. Meso-America to the north and the tropical Andes to the east. It has great diversity in fauna and fora.• 9. Tropical Andes Sprawling over the equatorial Andes Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, it is one of the smallest biodiversity hotspots of the world, but has rich endemic plants and animals.”
Why relevant
Refers to the 'Tropical Andes' and explicitly links them to countries such as Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, giving examples of nations the Andes traverse in the equatorial region.
How to extend
A student could compare the listed Andean countries (Ecuador, Peru, Brazil) with Venezuela's location on a map to assess if Venezuela is contiguous with those Andean zones and thus likely intersected by the range.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > 1. Tropical Evergreen Rainforest Biome > p. 5
Strength: 4/5
“3.2). Te largest area of this biome is found in Amazon Basin (South America), Congo Basin (Africa) and the countries of South-East Asia. Te Amazon basin is the largest tract of tropical rainforest which is called as selvas. In addition, tropical rainforests cover the equatorial regions of Africa, Indonesia, Malabar coast, hilly tracts of north east India, the Madagascar and low-lying areas of south-east Asian countries, the Pacifc coast of Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and the eastern coast of Central America. Te 'cloud forest' at high elevation in the Andes Mountain, which remain perpetuated by high humidity and cloud cover are also the part of the tropical rainforest biome (Fig.”
Why relevant
Mentions 'cloud forest' at high elevation in the Andes and locates such biome occurrences along the Pacific coast of Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, showing the Andes reach at least into northern South America (Colombia).
How to extend
Given the Andes reach Colombia (a northern country), a student could look northward from Colombia on a map to see whether the mountain chain continues into neighbouring Venezuela.
FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Railways RailwaysRailways > p. 58
Strength: 2/5
“Only Chile, among the remaining countries has a considerable route length linking coastal centres with the mining sites in the interior. Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela have short single-track rail-lines from ports to the interior with no inter-connecting links. There is only one trans-continental rail route linking Buenos Aires (Argentina) with Valparaiso (Chile) across the Andes Mountains through the Uspallatta Pass located at a height of 3,900 m. In Asia, rail network is the most dense in the thickly populated areas of Japan, China and India. Other countries have relatively few rail routes. West Asia is the least developed in rail facilities because of vast deserts and sparsely populated regions.”
Why relevant
Describes a trans-Andean rail route and lists several Andean countries (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela) when discussing interior rail connections, implying Venezuela is grouped with other Andean nations in the region.
How to extend
A student could note Venezuela's appearance in a list of countries discussed alongside recognized Andean states and then verify on a map whether Venezuela shares the Andean mountain system.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC is moving from 'Which continent?' to 'Which specific countries?'. You must trace the exact political borders crossed by major physical features (Rivers, Mountains, Deserts) on a blank map.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Solvable via basic map work. Standard geography defines the 'Andean 7': Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Major Physiographic Divisions of Continents (South America) & Plate Tectonics (Ocean-Continent Convergence).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the specific country counts for major ranges: Alps (8 countries: France to Slovenia), Himalayas (5+), Rockies (USA/Canada), and Atlas Mountains (Morocco/Algeria/Tunisia).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Apply Tectonic Logic. The Andes are the result of the Nazca Plate subducting under the South American Plate (West Coast). Brazil and Paraguay sit on the stable 'Brazilian Shield' (East/Center). Mountains don't form in the middle of a stable craton.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Geographic extent of the Andes in South America
💡 The insight
The Andes are a continuous mountain range that spans multiple South American countries.
High-yield for questions on physiographic regions and country-wise mountain distribution; helps quickly determine which South American states are Andean. Connects to topics on regional climate, biodiversity hotspots, and transportation challenges in mountainous terrain.
📚 Reading List :
- FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Railways RailwaysRailways > p. 58
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Types of Plateau > p. 23
🔗 Anchor: "Do the Andes Mountains pass through Bolivia?"
👉 Intermont plateaux (Bolivian Plateau)
💡 The insight
The Bolivian Plateau is an intermont plateau situated between ranges of the Andes.
Important for understanding plateau–mountain relationships and physiographic subdivisions; useful in questions on elevation, population distribution, agriculture and resource patterns in Andean countries.
📚 Reading List :
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Types of Plateau > p. 23
🔗 Anchor: "Do the Andes Mountains pass through Bolivia?"
👉 Andes formation by plate convergence
💡 The insight
The Andes formed from convergence between the Nazca and South American plates, producing a continental volcanic mountain chain at the continental margin.
Key concept for tectonics and mountain-building questions; links physical geography with volcanic activity, seismicity, and geomorphology across Andean countries — useful for cause-effect questions in GS papers.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 118
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Why are fold mountains at the continental margin? > p. 123
🔗 Anchor: "Do the Andes Mountains pass through Bolivia?"
👉 Countries traversed by the Andes
💡 The insight
The Andes extend across multiple South American countries, explicitly including Ecuador, Peru and Brazil in the Tropical Andes context.
High-yield for geography questions asking which countries a mountain range crosses; links physical geography to political geography and helps eliminate options in location-based MCQs and map questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > south America > p. 7
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > THINK ABOUT IT > p. 45
🔗 Anchor: "Do the Andes Mountains pass through Brazil?"
👉 Tectonic origin of the Andes (Nazca–South American subduction)
💡 The insight
The Andes were formed by convergence and subduction between the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate.
Crucial for questions on mountain-building, plate tectonics, and associated hazards; connects to volcanism, trench formation and regional geomorphology, enabling explanation-type answers in mains and interview.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of The Andes > p. 118
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 10: Types of Mountains > Original or Tectonic Mountains > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "Do the Andes Mountains pass through Brazil?"
👉 Tropical Andes as a biodiversity hotspot
💡 The insight
The Tropical Andes represent a concentrated biodiversity hotspot spanning the equatorial Andean countries.
Important for ecology and environment topics in UPSC (biodiversity, conservation hotspots); links physical elevation gradients to species endemism and conservation policy questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > south America > p. 7
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > 1. Tropical Evergreen Rainforest Biome > p. 5
🔗 Anchor: "Do the Andes Mountains pass through Brazil?"
👉 Andes as a transnational mountain chain
💡 The insight
The Andes extend along the western edge of South America and occur within the territories of multiple countries, including Colombia.
High‑yield for UPSC because questions often ask which countries a major physical feature spans and its implications for climate, transport and resources. Mastering this helps answer mapping, comparative and environment‑impact questions that link physical geography to human systems.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > 1. Tropical Evergreen Rainforest Biome > p. 5
- FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Railways RailwaysRailways > p. 58
🔗 Anchor: "Do the Andes Mountains pass through Colombia?"
The 'Lithium Triangle' (Chile, Bolivia, Argentina) lies within the Andes. The next logical question could involve the 'Guiana Highlands' (Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil) or the 'Brazilian Highlands', which are ancient shields often confused with the young fold Andes.
Use the 'Plate Boundary Rule'. The Andes are a subduction zone feature (Pacific Ring of Fire). Brazil and Paraguay are Atlantic-facing or interior shield nations. A subduction mountain range cannot physically exist in the middle of a tectonic plate (Brazil). Thus, eliminate Brazil and Paraguay instantly.
Geopolitics (IR): The Andes act as a formidable physical barrier, historically splitting South American trade into the 'Pacific Alliance' (Andean nations) vs. 'Mercosur' (Atlantic nations). Geography dictates the trade blocs.