South America is classified as which type of landmass?

South America is classified as a continent due to its vast land area, distinct geographic borders, and its recognition as one of the seven major landmasses on Earth. A continent is defined as a large, continuous mass of land conventionally regarded as a collective region. South America fits this definition as it is surrounded by oceans—specifically, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Southern Ocean to the south.

The other categorizations do not accurately describe South America. An island refers to a smaller landmass completely surrounded by water, which does not fit South America's expansive size. A peninsula is a land area surrounded by water on the majority of its border but connected to the mainland, which doesn’t apply here, as South America is not surrounded on three sides by water. Lastly, while "region" can refer to a broad area that includes various countries and characteristics within South America, it does not define the landmass itself. Thus, identifying South America as a continent encompasses its geographical, cultural, and political significance more accurately than the other options.