Question

Which is the highest peak of the Andes?
(A) Mount Chimborazo
(B) Mount Cotopaxi
(C) Mount Aconcagua
(D) Mount Ancohuma

Answer 1

Hint:
 Mount Eversts is the highest peak of the world with an elevation of 8848 meters and it lies in Asia. Outside Asia Mount Aconcagua is known to be the highest peak. Although it is significantly lower than the veverst but it is highest in America. The Andes lie in South America.

Complete solution:
The Andes Mountains are also known as the Andean Mountains and are the longest continental mountain range in the world. These mountains form a continuous highland along the western edge of South America. It extends from North to South. The Andes cover seven countries viz, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. It is 7000 km long and about 700 km wide with an average height of 4000 m (4 km). The height elevation in the Andes is 6,961 m (22,838 ft).

The Andes are separated and split into various ranges along their length. They contain several high plateaus.

They are home to rich flora and fauna due to their location and climate variation. About 30,000 species of vascular plants live in the Andes. They extend from Caribbean Venezuela to cold, windy and wet Cape Horn. They also pass through the Atacama Desert, which is hyper arid. Rainforests and tropical dry forests are also found in the Andes but have decreased significantly over the years due to global warming and changing climatic conditions.

Mount Aconcagua is the highest mountain in America, the highest mountain outside Asia and the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemisphere. It is the highest peak of the Andes. It has an elevation of 6,961 meters.

Additional information: On the basis of climate the region is grouped into three major divisions:
1. Tropical Andes
2. Dry Andes
3. Wet Andes

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note:
 Although Mount Aconcagua is one of the most beautiful peaks in the world, but its ‘White Wind’ (the clouds which descend quickly at the highest altitudes) make it very risky for the climbers as they are very cold, dry and catch climbers out.