Theory question 104
Nigeria: Physical Setting(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name: (i) the Rainforest Belt; (ii) the Sahel Savanna Belt; (iii) Ibadan. (b) Outline three characteristics of the rainforest belt. (c) In what four ways is the rainforest vegetation important to the economy of Nigeria?
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(a) Map: rainforest belt across the south behind the mangrove coast (Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Cross River); Sahel savanna in the extreme north-east and north (Borno around Lake Chad, northern Sokoto, Yobe); Ibadan in the south-west on the forest-savanna margin.
(b) Tall evergreen trees (up to 45-60 m) in layers (canopies); many species mixed together; dense undergrowth where light reaches the floor; climbers (lianas) and epiphytes; hardwoods such as mahogany, iroko, obeche; buttress roots; trees shed leaves at different times so the forest is always green.
(c) Timber for building, furniture and export; raw materials for industries (plywood, paper, matches); cash crops grown there (cocoa, oil palm, rubber, kola); food, fruits and bush meat; medicinal herbs; fuel wood; employment; tourism (forest reserves); protects soil and supports rainfall.
Describe the layered structure of the forest.