Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Angel Falls
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Waterfalls are impressive natural features, and questions about the highest, widest or most famous waterfalls are common in geography and general knowledge exams. This question specifically asks about the highest waterfall in the world when measured by total height from top to bottom. Knowing this fact shows familiarity with key physical geography superlatives.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The highest waterfall in the world by total height is located in South America, in Venezuela. It drops from the edge of a plateau in a long uninterrupted fall before continuing in cascades. This waterfall is much taller than well known tourist destinations like Niagara Falls or Victoria Falls, which are wide and powerful but not as tall in height. By remembering this distinguishing feature and name, you can pick the correct option from the list.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the highest waterfall is in Venezuela and is known as Angel Falls.
Step 2: Compare this with Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls, Iguazu Falls and Yosemite Falls, which have lower heights.
Step 3: Identify Angel Falls among the options as option A.
Step 4: Confirm that other waterfalls are famous for width or water volume rather than maximum height.
Step 5: Select Angel Falls as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Geographical references note that Angel Falls has a total height of nearly one kilometre, making it the tallest waterfall in the world. Niagara Falls on the border of Canada and the United States is wide and powerful but relatively low in height. Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River and Iguazu Falls in South America are also massive and wide but not as tall as Angel Falls. Yosemite Falls in the United States is very tall but still shorter than Angel Falls. This cross check confirms that Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Niagara Falls is important for tourism and hydroelectric power but is not the highest by height.
Victoria Falls is known as a very wide curtain of water but is not the tallest waterfall globally.
Iguazu Falls is a complex of many waterfalls and is celebrated for scenic beauty rather than maximum height.
Yosemite Falls is tall within North America but does not surpass Angel Falls in Venezuela.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose Niagara Falls or Victoria Falls because these names appear frequently in media and textbooks. They may confuse popularity or volume of water with height. To avoid this error, it is helpful to memorise that Angel Falls in Venezuela holds the record for the highest waterfall by total height, even though it is located in a more remote area than the other options.
Final Answer:
The highest waterfall in the world by total height is Angel Falls in Venezuela.
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