In world physical geography, which mountain range listed below is the longest continental mountain range on Earth?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Andes Mountain Range

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Questions on world superlatives in geography frequently ask about the highest mountains, longest rivers and largest deserts. This item focuses on mountain ranges and asks for the longest continental mountain range. Knowing which range stretches for the greatest distance along a continent allows candidates to answer several related questions on climate, plate tectonics and regional geography. The Andes in South America are widely recognised as the longest continental mountain range in the world, and this fact is standard in school and competitive exam material.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks about length of a mountain range, not height of individual peaks.
  • Options include Aravalli Range, Andes Mountain Range, Great Dividing Range and Cascade Range.
  • We assume conventional geographical definitions as used in standard textbooks.
  • The task is to choose the range that extends over the greatest continuous distance.


Concept / Approach:
The key concept is that the Andes form a nearly continuous chain along the western edge of South America, running through countries such as Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina. This chain covers several thousand kilometres and is longer than other famous ranges. The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in India but much shorter. The Great Dividing Range runs along eastern Australia and is long but still does not match the length of the Andes. The Cascade Range in North America is also relatively smaller. Recognising these relative scales leads to the correct answer.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Andes Mountains run almost the entire length of the western coast of South America. Step 2: Remember that they pass through multiple countries and form a continuous chain for several thousand kilometres. Step 3: Compare this with the Aravalli Range, which is limited mainly to parts of Rajasthan and nearby regions in India. Step 4: Note that the Great Dividing Range extends along eastern Australia and the Cascade Range lies in western North America, both shorter than the Andes. Step 5: Conclude that the Andes Mountain Range is the longest continental mountain range among the options.


Verification / Alternative check:
A good verification strategy is to recall a standard set of geographic records often quoted in exams: highest peak Everest, longest river Nile or Amazon depending on criteria, and longest mountain range Andes. Many atlases and exam books mention the Andes specifically in this context. If candidates remember that the Andes are associated with both length and significant volcanic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire, this reinforces the choice and rules out the other options as records for length.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Aravalli Range in India is historically important but comparatively short and broken, so it cannot be the longest mountain range in the world. Great Dividing Range in Australia is long on a continental scale but still shorter than the Andes Mountains. Cascade Range in North America includes notable volcanic peaks but covers less distance than the Andes.


Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse longest range with highest peak and think of the Himalayas. However, in terms of continuous length, the Andes surpass the Himalayas. Another source of error is unfamiliarity with Australian geography, leading some to guess the Great Dividing Range just because the name suggests a major division. To avoid such mistakes, learners should memorise a small table of mountain related records that clearly separates highest peak, largest area of highlands and longest mountain range.


Final Answer:
The longest continental mountain range in the world is the Andes Mountain Range in South America.

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