Theory question 206
VegetationChoose any one of the following vegetation types: (a) Cool temperature eastern margin (Laurentian type); (b) Temperate grassland (c) Tropical rainforest. Describe the vegetation type chosen under the following headings (i) location (ii) vegetation characteristics (iii) economic importance
Show the model answer
Tropical rain forest:
(i) Within about 5-10° of the equator: Amazon basin, Zaire (Congo) basin and Guinea coast of West Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia
(ii) Evergreen; tall trees (up to 60 m) in three layers with a dense canopy; many species mixed together; hardwoods; broad leaves with drip tips; buttress roots; climbers (lianas) and epiphytes; little undergrowth under thick canopy
(iii) Hardwood timber (mahogany, iroko, obeche); tree crops (cocoa, oil palm, rubber); food, medicine, fuel; game and tourism; protects soils and water supply
(Temperate grassland – prairies, pampas, steppes, veld: short grass, treeless, wheat and cattle; Laurentian – mixed forest in NE USA/Canada/Manchuria)
Pick one vegetation type and stay with it.