Theory question 114
Geography of Africa(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa and on it show the following vegetation belts: (i) Tropical rain-forest (ii) Tropical grassland (iii) Temperate grassland (b) Describe any four characteristics of the Tropical rainforest of Africa (c) In what four ways is the Tropical rain-forest of economic importance to Africa?
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(a) Rain forest in the Zaire Basin and along the Guinea coast; tropical grassland (savanna) in belts north, east and south of the forest; temperate grassland (veld) on the high plateau of South Africa.
(b) Tall evergreen trees (up to 45-60 m); three layers with a continuous canopy; many species mixed (not pure stands); hardwoods; buttress roots; lianas and epiphytes; little undergrowth where the canopy is thick.
(c) Timber and plywood (export and local use); food such as fruits, nuts, game; raw materials (rubber, oil palm, raffia, medicines); fuelwood; foreign exchange; tourism and wildlife; protects soils and water catchments.
Show the belts in their correct positions.