Continental

A continent is a large, continuous landmass on Earth that is conventionally recognized as a distinct and separate geographic unit. Continents are typically defined by their geographical, geological, and cultural boundaries, although these boundaries can sometimes be arbitrary or subject to different interpretations.

There are generally considered to be seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania (or Australasia), and South America. Some models combine certain continents; for example, Europe and Asia are often grouped as Eurasia due to the lack of a clear physical boundary. Similarly, the term "America" can refer collectively to North and South America or individually.

Continents vary greatly in size, from Asia, the largest, covering about 30% of Earth's land area, to Oceania, which is the smallest and includes numerous islands in the Pacific Ocean. The classifications of continents also involve cultural and historical considerations, as continents have served as centers of human civilizations, migration, and cultural exchange.

Geologically, continents comprise a complex mosaic of crustal rocks, including continental shields, mountain ranges, and sedimentary basins. Their formation is driven by tectonic processes such as plate movements, collisions, and rifting, which shape Earth's surface over millions of years.

In environmental and ecological contexts, continents contain diverse habitats and ecosystems, supporting a vast array of plant and animal life. Understanding continents is essential for studies related to geography, geology, ecology, and international relations.