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Paraíba do Sul Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Rio Paraíba do Sul: Geography, Ecology, and Economy

Cheat Sheet:
The Rio Paraíba do Sul: Geography, Ecology, and Economy Study Guide

Geographical Characteristics and Basin Hydrology

The Rio Paraíba do Sul flows primarily from north to south across Brazil.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Rio Paraíba do Sul generally flows from west to northeast, not primarily from north to south.

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The Rio Paraíba do Sul originates from the confluence of the Rio Pomba and Rio Muriaé.

Answer: False

Explanation: The river originates from the Paraitinga River, not from the confluence of the Rio Pomba and Rio Muriaé, which are tributaries joining downstream.

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The Rio Jaguari and the Rio Preto are the longest tributaries feeding into the Paraíba do Sul.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Rio Jaguari is a tributary, the Rio Pomba and Rio Muriaé are identified as the longest tributaries, not the Rio Preto.

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The Rio Pomba joins the main river significantly closer to the mouth than the Rio Muriaé.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Rio Muriaé joins the main river 50 km from the mouth, while the Rio Pomba joins 140 km from the mouth, making the Muriaé closer.

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The Paraíba do Sul basin is geographically located entirely within the Southern Hemisphere.

Answer: True

Explanation: The basin spans between 20°26′ and 23°39′ South latitude, placing it entirely within the Southern Hemisphere.

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The Paraíba do Sul basin covers an area slightly larger than 57,000 square kilometers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The basin area is stated as approximately 57,000 square kilometers (22,000 square miles) in one source, and 56,000 square kilometers in the infobox, making 'slightly larger than 57,000' a reasonable approximation based on the former.

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The image caption mentions a view of the river near Jacareí in the state of Minas Gerais.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material indicates the image caption describes a view near Jacareí in the state of São Paulo, not Minas Gerais.

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Juiz de Fora is located on the Rio Paraíba do Sul itself.

Answer: False

Explanation: Juiz de Fora is located on the Paraibuna River, a significant tributary of the Paraíba do Sul, not directly on the main river itself.

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The infobox states the basin size of the Rio Paraíba do Sul is approximately 57,000 square kilometers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The infobox states the basin size is 56,000 square kilometers, not 57,000 square kilometers.

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The mouth of the Rio Paraíba do Sul is located at approximately 21.62° South latitude.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mouth of the Rio Paraíba do Sul is located at approximately 21°37′S 41°01′W (21.62°S 41.01°W).

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The elevation at the mouth of the Rio Paraíba do Sul is significantly above sea level.

Answer: False

Explanation: The elevation of the Rio Paraíba do Sul at its mouth is 0 meters above sea level, as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, not significantly above it.

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The Rio Paraíba do Sul flows exclusively through the state of Minas Gerais.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Rio Paraíba do Sul flows through three states: São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, not exclusively through Minas Gerais.

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What is the approximate total length of the Rio Paraíba do Sul in kilometers?

Answer: 1,137 km

Explanation: The Rio Paraíba do Sul measures 1,137 kilometers (706 miles) in length.

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The Rio Paraíba do Sul empties into which body of water?

Answer: The Atlantic Ocean

Explanation: The river empties into the Atlantic Ocean near Campos dos Goytacazes.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary tributary of the Rio Paraíba do Sul?

Answer: Rio Tietê

Explanation: The primary tributaries listed are Jaguari, Buquira, Paraibuna, Preto, Pomba, and Muriaé. The Rio Tietê is not among them.

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According to the source, which two tributaries are the longest and join the main river closest to its mouth?

Answer: Rio Pomba (140 km from mouth) and Rio Muriaé (50 km from mouth)

Explanation: The Rio Pomba and Rio Muriaé are identified as the longest tributaries, joining the main river 140 km and 50 km from its mouth, respectively.

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The Paraíba do Sul basin spans between which approximate longitude range?

Answer: 41° and 46°30′ West

Explanation: The Paraíba do Sul basin spans between the longitudes of 41° and 46°30′ West.

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Juiz de Fora is located on which tributary of the Paraíba do Sul?

Answer: Rio Paraibuna

Explanation: Juiz de Fora is located on the Paraibuna River, which is a major tributary of the Paraíba do Sul.

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What is the approximate area of the Paraíba do Sul basin in square miles, according to the source?

Answer: 22,000 sq mi

Explanation: The approximate area of the Paraíba do Sul basin is 22,000 square miles.

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The coordinates 21°37′S 41°01′W correspond to which feature of the Rio Paraíba do Sul?

Answer: The mouth of the river

Explanation: The coordinates 21°37′S 41°01′W correspond to the mouth of the Rio Paraíba do Sul.

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Which states does the Rio Paraíba do Sul flow through?

Answer: São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro

Explanation: The Rio Paraíba do Sul flows through the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro.

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Ecological Dynamics and Biodiversity

Water temperatures in the Paraíba do Sul show significant seasonal variation, unlike rivers in northern Brazil.

Answer: True

Explanation: Unlike northern Brazilian rivers with limited seasonal variation, the Paraíba do Sul exhibits distinct winter and summer water temperature differences.

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A winter water temperature of 15.2°C was recorded in the Paraíba do Sul during a survey in Lorena, São Paulo.

Answer: True

Explanation: A survey in Lorena, São Paulo, recorded winter temperatures of 15.2°C (59.4°F).

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The Rio Paraíba do Sul river water is typically acidic, with a pH range below 6.

Answer: False

Explanation: The water of the Paraíba do Sul river is generally neutral, with a pH range typically between 6 and 8, not acidic below 6.

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There are over 100 native fish species inhabiting the Paraíba do Sul basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Paraíba do Sul basin supports over 100 native fish species.

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Approximately 40% of the fish species in the basin are endemic, meaning they are found worldwide.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endemic species are found exclusively within a specific geographic area. In this context, approximately 40% of the fish species are endemic to the Paraíba do Sul basin, not found worldwide.

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The genus *Oligobrycon* is found exclusively within the Paraíba do Sul basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fish genus *Oligobrycon* is found exclusively within the Paraíba do Sul basin.

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No new fish species have been discovered in the Paraíba do Sul basin in recent years.

Answer: False

Explanation: A new species of catfish, *Pareiorhina hyptiorhachis*, was described in 2013, indicating ongoing discoveries.

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Pollution is a significant environmental issue for the Paraíba do Sul due to its location in a densely populated and industrialized region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Paraíba do Sul river suffers significantly from pollution due to its location in a densely populated and industrialized region.

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Studies found heavy metal levels in the fish *Geophagus brasiliensis* that were below Brazilian Food Legislation limits.

Answer: False

Explanation: Studies on *Geophagus brasiliensis* revealed heavy metal levels that exceeded the limits set by Brazilian Food Legislation, not fell below them.

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The introduction of non-native species and the presence of dams are major threats to the Paraíba do Sul basin's ecology.

Answer: True

Explanation: Major threats include dams and the introduction of non-native species (around 70).

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Around 46 species of non-native fish have been introduced into the Paraíba do Sul basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: 46 species of non-native fish have been introduced into the Paraíba do Sul basin.

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The parasitic copepod *Lernaea cyprinacea* is native to the Paraíba do Sul basin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The parasitic copepod *Lernaea cyprinacea* is an introduced species found in the Paraíba do Sul basin, not a native one.

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Fish species like *Brycon insignis* and *Pogonopoma parahybae* are considered seriously threatened in the basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: *Brycon insignis* is listed as a native fish species that is seriously threatened in the Paraíba do Sul basin.

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Fish populations in the Paraíba do Sul have generally shown an increase in abundance and species richness.

Answer: False

Explanation: A general decline in the abundance and species richness of fish populations has been observed in the Paraíba do Sul, not an increase.

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The endemic catfish *Hypostomus auroguttatus* has adapted well to the environmental changes in the basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The endemic catfish *Hypostomus auroguttatus* has demonstrated adaptation to environmental changes.

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The catfish *Potamarius grandoculis* is known to inhabit multiple river systems across Brazil.

Answer: False

Explanation: The catfish *Potamarius grandoculis* is known only from the vicinity of the Paraíba do Sul and Doce Rivers, not multiple river systems across Brazil.

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A national conservation plan for the Paraíba do Sul river basin was published in 2010.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2010, a national conservation plan for the Paraíba do Sul river basin was published.

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Compared to rivers in northern Brazil, the Paraíba do Sul exhibits:

Answer: Distinct differences between winter and summer water temperatures

Explanation: Compared to rivers in northern Brazil, the Paraíba do Sul exhibits distinct differences between winter and summer water temperatures.

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What is the typical pH range of the Paraíba do Sul river water, indicating a generally neutral state?

Answer: 6.0 - 8.0

Explanation: The typical pH range of the Paraíba do Sul river water is between 6.0 and 8.0, indicating a generally neutral state.

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Which three families contain the majority of the native fish species in the Paraíba do Sul basin?

Answer: Loricariidae, Characidae, Trichomycteridae

Explanation: The majority of native fish species in the Paraíba do Sul basin belong to the Loricariidae, Characidae, and Trichomycteridae families.

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The high percentage of endemic fish species (around 40%) in the Paraíba do Sul basin signifies:

Answer: The basin has a unique evolutionary history and ecological importance.

Explanation: The high percentage of endemic fish species signifies the basin's unique evolutionary history and ecological importance.

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What environmental problem is the Paraíba do Sul particularly affected by due to its location?

Answer: Pollution

Explanation: The Paraíba do Sul is particularly affected by pollution due to its location in a densely populated and industrialized region.

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Studies on the cichlid *Geophagus brasiliensis* revealed heavy metal levels that:

Answer: Exceeded the limits set by Brazilian Food Legislation.

Explanation: Studies on the cichlid *Geophagus brasiliensis* revealed heavy metal levels that exceeded the limits set by Brazilian Food Legislation.

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Besides pollution, what is another major ecological threat mentioned for the Paraíba do Sul basin?

Answer: Introduction of non-native fish species

Explanation: Besides pollution, the introduction of non-native fish species is another major ecological threat mentioned for the Paraíba do Sul basin.

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Which of the following native fish species is listed as seriously threatened in the Paraíba do Sul basin?

Answer: Brycon insignis

Explanation: *Brycon insignis* is listed as a native fish species that is seriously threatened in the Paraíba do Sul basin.

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What trend has been observed regarding the fish populations in the Paraíba do Sul?

Answer: A general decline in abundance and species richness

Explanation: A general decline in the abundance and species richness of fish populations has been observed in the Paraíba do Sul.

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Which catfish species, known only from the mouths of the Paraíba do Sul and Doce Rivers, is potentially extinct?

Answer: Potamarius grandoculis

Explanation: The catfish *Potamarius grandoculis* is known only from the vicinity of the Paraíba do Sul and Doce Rivers and is potentially extinct.

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Which of the following bivalve species is listed as threatened in the Paraíba do Sul basin?

Answer: Diplodon fontaineanus

Explanation: *Diplodon fontaineanus* is listed as a threatened bivalve species in the Paraíba do Sul basin.

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What action was taken in 2010 concerning the Paraíba do Sul river basin?

Answer: A national conservation plan was published.

Explanation: In 2010, a national conservation plan for the Paraíba do Sul river basin was published.

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Economic Activities and Urban Centers

The primary economic activities within the Paraíba do Sul basin are agriculture and fishing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary economic activities identified within the Paraíba do Sul basin are industry and cattle raising, not agriculture and fishing.

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The Paraíba Valley is known for its low fertility and sparse population.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Paraíba Valley is described as being very fertile and historically a region with a relatively dense population.

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Volta Redonda is recognized as the location of Brazil's first steel industry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Volta Redonda holds historical importance as the site of Brazil's first steel industry.

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Aparecida, located in São Paulo, is known for its high-tech industry and aircraft manufacturing.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aparecida is renowned for its Marian pilgrimage site. High-tech industry and aircraft manufacturing, specifically Embraer, are associated with São José dos Campos.

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São José dos Campos is home to Embraer, a major Brazilian aircraft manufacturer.

Answer: True

Explanation: São José dos Campos is a hub for high-tech industry and is home to Embraer, Brazil's aircraft manufacturer.

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Campos dos Goytacazes is recognized as a center for sugar cane cultivation along the river.

Answer: True

Explanation: Campos dos Goytacazes, near the river's mouth, is noted as a center for sugar cane cultivation.

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What are the two main economic activities identified within the Paraíba do Sul basin?

Answer: Industry and cattle raising

Explanation: The primary economic activities identified within the Paraíba do Sul basin are industry and cattle raising.

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Which city, located on the Paraíba do Sul, is known as the site of Brazil's first steel industry?

Answer: Volta Redonda

Explanation: Volta Redonda is recognized as the site of Brazil's first steel industry.

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In the state of São Paulo, which city along the river is famous for its Marian pilgrimage site?

Answer: Aparecida

Explanation: Aparecida, located in São Paulo state along the river, is famous for its Marian pilgrimage site.

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Which city in São Paulo state is a hub for high-tech industry and home to Embraer?

Answer: São José dos Campos

Explanation: São José dos Campos in São Paulo state is a hub for high-tech industry and is home to Embraer.

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What is the significance of the city of Campos dos Goytacazes in relation to the river?

Answer: It is the center of a rich sugar cane growing area.

Explanation: Campos dos Goytacazes is significant as the center of a rich sugar cane growing area along the river.

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Historical Context and Nomenclature

The Rio Paraíba do Sul is commonly referred to simply as 'Paraíba'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Rio Paraíba do Sul is frequently referred to simply as Paraíba.

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The Paraíba do Sul river is named specifically after it joins with the Rio Paraibuna at the Paraibuna dam.

Answer: True

Explanation: The river is officially named Paraíba do Sul upon its confluence with the Rio Paraibuna at the Paraibuna dam.

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What is the common name used for the Rio Paraíba do Sul?

Answer: Paraíba

Explanation: The Rio Paraíba do Sul is frequently referred to simply as Paraíba.

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At what specific point does the river officially receive the name 'Paraíba do Sul'?

Answer: When it converges with the Rio Paraibuna at the Paraibuna dam

Explanation: The river is officially named Paraíba do Sul upon its confluence with the Rio Paraibuna at the Paraibuna dam.

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