Final answer:
The sparsely populated semi-arid lowland known as the Gran Chaco covers areas of Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, featuring grasslands with shrubs and deciduous trees. It is suitable for livestock and some agriculture although it is drier than regions like the Pampas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sparsely populated semi-arid lowland covering portions of Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, located west of the Paraguay River, is known as the Gran Chaco or simply the Chaco region. This region is characterized by grasslands with shrubs and deciduous trees. It experiences a wet and dry season, which makes it suitable for raising livestock and some farming. The western part of the Chaco, being closer to the Andes, is drier and known for high temperatures during summer months. On the other hand, the eastern Chaco benefits from more rainfall and has better soils for agriculture.
Despite being semiarid, regions like the Chaco and Patagonia possess significant natural resources. Patagonia, in particular, has witnessed economic attention for its oil, natural gas, and valuable minerals. Nonetheless, both regions are more sparsely populated compared to other agricultural areas such as the Pampas, which offer richer soils and more favorable conditions for extensive farming and human habitation.