Final answer:
The Atlantic Ocean geographically separates the Americas, while the Red Sea and the Suez Canal separate Asia from Africa. Disputes often arise due to natural or man-made boundaries, as in the case of territorial waters or discoveries like the Neolithic mummy between Italy and Switzerland. The Americas feature diverse climates and ecological environments, with a unique history of human settlement and social and political development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographical formation that separates the Americas is the Atlantic Ocean. This vast body of water creates a natural divide between North America and South America on one side, and Europe and West Africa on the other. On the other hand, the continents of Asia and Africa are separated by the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, both geometrically relevant in their capacity as natural and man-made dividers, respectively.
The political impact of geographical features can be significant and cause disputes over resources or territory. Issues like oil drilling or fishing rights can become contentious when there isn't a clear division established by the geographical features. Historical or cultural artifacts can also raise tensions between countries, as seen in the case of a Neolithic mummy that created a dispute between Italy and Switzerland.
Role of the Americas
The Americas have a rich geographical diversity, running from the polar regions and encompassing varying climates and ecological environments such as rainforests and mountains. Human settlement in the Americas is believed to have started by migration across the land bridge from Asia to North America 20,000 years ago. The social and political development within the Americas has been diverse since their inception with empires like the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas.