Theory question 107
Geography of Africa(a) Draw an outline map of Africa. On it show and name the following: (i) the Equatorial rain forest; (ii) the Tropical grassland; (iii) one town in each of the areas in (a)(i) and (a)(ii) above. (b) Outline three characteristics of the Equatorial rainforest vegetation. (c) In what three ways is the Tropical rainforest of economic importance?
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(a) Map: equatorial rainforest in the Congo Basin and coastal West Africa (Kisangani, Libreville, Douala); tropical grassland (savanna) north, south and east of it (Kano, Nairobi, Lusaka).
(b) Dense evergreen forest; tall trees in three or more layers with a closed canopy; many species mixed together; hardwoods (mahogany, iroko, obeche); buttress roots; climbers, lianas and epiphytes; little undergrowth in dense parts.
(c) Timber and plywood for building and export; fuelwood; cash crops (cocoa, oil palm, rubber); medicinal plants; food (fruits, game); tourism and research; protects soil and regulates climate; raw materials (pulp, rattan).
Shade the two belts with a key.