Chapter 5Lesson 1

A Rugged LandPage 172

IsthmusNarrow strip of land that

connects two larger land areas.

PeninsulaPiece of land that is mostly

surrounded by water.

PlateauRaised plain that covers a large

area.

Mexico’s LandformsThe Plateau of Mexico is Mexico’s

largest physical feature. Most of the Mexican people live here.

The two mountain ranges are the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental.

SierraRugged chain of mountains.

Tierra Caliente“hot land”Sea level – 3,000 feetHot summers, mild winters, no

frost

frostIce crystals that form on a

surface when dew or water freezes

Tierra templada“temperate land”3,000 – 6,000 feet50 degrees – 80 degreesMost of the Mexican farms are

here, and most of the people live here.

Tierra fria“cold land”6,000 +High mountain peaks are cold