Theory question 205
Vegetation(a) Highlight the distinguishing characteristics of the natural vegetation associated with either the cool temperate (eastern margin type) or the tropical continental climate (b) Explain the factors that have aided the occurrence of the vegetation type in the area you have selected.
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Tropical continental (savanna): (a) mainly tall grasses (elephant grass in the wetter parts, shorter tufted grass in the drier parts); scattered trees such as baobab, shea butter and acacia; deciduous trees that shed leaves in the dry season; long tap roots, thick bark, thorny or small leaves; grass dries up in the dry season and grows again in the rains.
(b) Seasonal rainfall (about 500-1500 mm) with a long dry season; high temperatures all year; frequent bush burning and grazing; soils that are lateritic and leached.
Cool temperate eastern margin: deciduous and mixed forest (oak, beech, maple), leaves shed in winter, few species per area; factors: rain all year, warm summers, cold winters.
Choose one climate and match each vegetation feature to a climate cause.