The Amazon River
Facts:
It is roughly 4000 miles long, and runs through 6 countries.
(Brazil,Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Bolivia)
At its widest point, it is about 10 miles wide.
It has the largest volume of water of any other river and the 2nd longest.
Deepest point is around 120 feet.
Most tributaries of any river in the world.
Over 3000 fish species live in it.
History:
The river actually used to flow toward the pacific ocean back when South America, Africa, Asia, and India were all part of the super continent, Gondwanaland. After the continents started drifting, the Andes mountains rose up in the way and made it a lake.Then, on the other side (east), a breach happened in the land and the river started to flow the other way and it still does today.
It is roughly 4000 miles long, and runs through 6 countries.
(Brazil,Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Bolivia)
At its widest point, it is about 10 miles wide.
It has the largest volume of water of any other river and the 2nd longest.
Deepest point is around 120 feet.
Most tributaries of any river in the world.
Over 3000 fish species live in it.
History:
The river actually used to flow toward the pacific ocean back when South America, Africa, Asia, and India were all part of the super continent, Gondwanaland. After the continents started drifting, the Andes mountains rose up in the way and made it a lake.Then, on the other side (east), a breach happened in the land and the river started to flow the other way and it still does today.
Amazon River Animals
Piranhas: Small, but with large teeth. Most are 6 to 12 inches long. Live in freshwater. Surprisingly, they are omnivores. Hunt in packs and are cannibals.
Dwarf Caimans: Members of the crocodile family. Live in freshwater. They are Cold Blooded.They have protective scales and have excellent camouflage. They breathe air, but can hold their breath underwater for a very long time.
Giant Amazon River Turtles: One of the largest freshwater turtles. Can get up to 200 pounds. Not many predators are big enough to prey on the turtle.
Anacondas: One of the largest snakes in the world. Can grow up to 30 feet in length. Dark green and brown in color. spend time in the water as well as on land. They are constrictors, which means that they squeeze the breath out of their prey. Cold-Blooded.
Wolf Fish: Very aggressive fish with huge teeth. Can grow to 100 cm and 40.0 pounds. Freshwater fish. Live in tropical climate and have been known to attack swimmers that get too close.
Payara: This fearsome freshwater fish is very delicious and it’s meat is prized in many markets along the river bank. Can grow to be 3 feet long. Have huge fangs on the bottom jaw that can grow to 6in.
Candiru: These fish are parasites that are native to the amazon basin. Some can get 16 inches long, but most are considerably smaller. Their bodies are clear. They are attracted to urine and attack human urethra. It is almost impossible to take out a fish, except through surgery.
Pirarucu: An ancient air-breather that is native to the amazon. Can grow up to 10 feet long. Belongs to a peculiar fish family where the weapon is the tongue. The tongue is studded with spikes and they use that to kill their prey.