The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world and the largest by discharge volume of water. It flows through South America and is central to the Amazon Rainforest, which is the world's largest tropical rainforest.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Amazon River flows primarily through the equatorial region, not the sub-tropical region. Its basin is located mainly within Brazil and Peru, extending into Colombia and other countries, situated close to the Equator. The climate here is hot and wet throughout the year, characteristic of the equatorial belt, which supports dense tropical evergreen forests.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The river was named by the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana. During his expedition in the 16th century, he and his men were attacked by local tribes. Orellana observed that women fought alongside men in these battles. This reminded him of the Amazons, a tribe of female warriors described in Greek mythology, leading him to name the river the Amazon.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The Amazon River system is formed by the joining of numerous tributaries. It has over 1,100 tributaries, 17 of which are over 1,500 kilometers long. The river drains a vast area of the South American continent before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
Key Takeaway
The Amazon River basin is an equatorial region phenomenon, characterized by a hot, wet climate and tropical evergreen vegetation, distinct from sub-tropical regions which are located at higher latitudes.