what are the scientific reasons to divide America into two continents?

Question

I was taught in school that the continents are 5. I knew that some people considered Antartica as a 6th continent, but now in the US my girlfriend told me that America is 2 continents! (North and South) Why? Who decided that? Does anybody here know that in every other country in the world (but US and England) we are taught that America is just ONE BIG CONTINENT?
There is just one America, divided in 3 subcontinents: North America, Central America and South America. Right?

Answer 1

The idea of 7 continents, including North and South America, is based on Tetonic plates.

North and South America, although connect by Panama (the canal doesn't change this) are CLEARLY two seperate land masses.

Answer 2

1. There are four tectonic plates that divide the continents; the Aztec, Central America, Caribbean, and South American plates. 2. The Panama Canal acts as a divider of the two continents much like the Suvez Canal acts as a divider of Europe and Africa. 3. If Eurasia can be split into two countries, Europe and Asia, even when there are no real division (that includes the stoutly Causas mountains that don't even fully cut off any edges) then why should North and South America?

Answer 3

This came about by digging the Panama Canal. Mankind actually divided one continent into two. I am 51 years old and was taught about 7 continents. So you must be older than me. I have this great deal for you. We have now drained enough swamp land in Florida to create another continent. For mere pennies an acre you can buy a bunch of land.

Answer 4

North and South American plates moved together late.

Bigger question is why do you consider Europe and Asia to be two continents when there is such a large border. The connections between Asia and Africa, and between North and South America are much smaller.

Answer 5

agree with steve

Mexico is part of North American Continent .... but Central America? is that North, South or no-man's land?

Answer 6

when I went to third grade it was said that we had north central and south America........and now that I came to US in High School I find out that there are only two......divited line is Guatemala from there on is south America is not the Panama canal