Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Bolivia
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests map based knowledge of world geography, specifically the path of the Tropic of Capricorn through South America. Lines of latitude such as the Equator, Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn are frequently used to frame questions on climate and political geography.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The Tropic of Capricorn is located at approximately 23.5 degrees south latitude. In South America, it passes through several countries, and exam candidates are expected to remember this by studying world maps carefully.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise or recall a political map of South America with the Tropic of Capricorn drawn across it.Step 2: The Tropic of Capricorn clearly passes through northern Chile, cutting across its territory.Step 3: It then passes through central Paraguay, making Paraguay a correct example of a country crossed by this latitude.Step 4: The line also goes through parts of southern Brazil, another well known fact because Brazil spans a wide range of latitudes.Step 5: Bolivia lies slightly north of the Tropic of Capricorn and is therefore not crossed by this line. It sits between roughly 10 degrees and 22 degrees south latitude, so the Tropic just misses it.
Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to remember that many atlases list example countries for each special line of latitude. For the Tropic of Capricorn in South America, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina often appear. Bolivia usually does not appear in that list, which confirms that the Tropic does not cross it.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because Chile is definitely crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn in its northern region.
Option C is wrong because Paraguay is also intersected by this latitude and is a standard example in textbooks.
Option D is wrong because Brazil is famously large and straddles several important lines of latitude, including the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse Bolivia with neighbouring Paraguay or misremember the exact position of the Tropic of Capricorn. Regular revision of world maps and marking key latitudes can prevent this type of error.
Final Answer:
Among the given options, the Tropic of Capricorn does not pass through Bolivia.
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