An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land areas and is bordered by water on both sides. It serves as a land bridge between two bigger landmasses that would otherwise be separated by bodies of water. For example, the Isthmus of Panama connects North and South America while separating the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
. Isthmuses are important geographically and historically because they facilitate migration of plants, animals, and humans, and often serve as strategic locations for trade and military purposes. Many isthmuses have canals built across them to enable marine transport, such as the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal
. In summary, the defining characteristics of an isthmus are:
- A narrow strip of land
- Connecting two larger landmasses
- Bordered by water on both sides
- Separating two bodies of water
This distinguishes an isthmus from a peninsula, which is connected to a larger landmass on only one side and surrounded by water on the other sides
