Final answer:
The correct answer is that there are 18 countries in South America, which includes the continent of South America and the Caribbean.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is A. 18; the Caribbean.
South America is a continent that is composed of 12 countries. These countries are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Panama, and Guyana.
The statement in the question is incorrect. South America does not include the Caribbean. The Caribbean is a region that is composed of numerous islands, including countries like Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and others. Therefore, the correct answer is A. 18 countries in South America and the Caribbean.
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