Final answer:
The primary mountain range that runs through much of western South America is the Andes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary mountain range that runs through much of western South America is the Andes. The Andes Mountains stretch along the entire western region of the continent from Venezuela to southern Chile. It is the longest mountain chain on Earth and the highest in the Americas, with more than 30 peaks reaching at least 20,000 feet in elevation. The Andes Mountains are a significant geographical feature of South America, shaping the landscape and influencing the climate and human activity in the region.