Which geographic features protect Chile from phylloxera?

Which geographic features protect Chile from phylloxera?

• A. The Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
• B. A warm ocean current.
• C. High rainfall across most vineyards.
• D. Government quarantine zones.

Answer: (A)

Natural barriers can block the movement of soil-dwelling pests like phylloxera. Chile is flanked by the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, creating a double barrier that makes it much harder for phylloxera to reach vineyards or to spread once introduced. Since phylloxera mainly spreads through contaminated plant material and soil moved by people or equipment, crossing a vast ocean and high mountain range is a major hurdle, giving Chile a strong degree of natural protection. The other options don’t fit because a warm ocean current describes a climate factor rather than a physical barrier, high rainfall isn’t a reliable shield against phylloxera and can actually support various pests, and government quarantine zones are policies, not geographic features.

Natural barriers can block the movement of soil-dwelling pests like phylloxera. Chile is flanked by the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, creating a double barrier that makes it much harder for phylloxera to reach vineyards or to spread once introduced. Since phylloxera mainly spreads through contaminated plant material and soil moved by people or equipment, crossing a vast ocean and high mountain range is a major hurdle, giving Chile a strong degree of natural protection.

The other options don’t fit because a warm ocean current describes a climate factor rather than a physical barrier, high rainfall isn’t a reliable shield against phylloxera and can actually support various pests, and government quarantine zones are policies, not geographic features.