A biogeographical survey conducted along longitude 7^\circ\text{E} from latitude 4^\circ\t… — JAMB UTME

A biogeographical survey conducted along longitude $7^\circ\text{E}$ from latitude $4^\circ\text{N}$ to $13^\circ\text{N}$ across Nigeria records distinct changes in plant structure and ecological adaptations. Around latitude $9^\circ\text{N}$ , the landscape is dominated by open woodland with tall tussock grasses reaching $1.5\text{ m}$ to $3\text{ m}$ , broad-leaved deciduous trees possessing thick fire-resistant bark, and scattered economic species such as the shea butter tree (*Vitellaria paradoxa*) and locust bean (*Parkia biglobosa*). Which vegetation zone of Nigeria is located at this specific latitude?

Guinea SavannaAnswer
B
Sudan Savanna
C
Tropical Rain Forest
D
Sahel Savanna

Answer

Guinea Savanna

The Guinea Savanna occupies the extensive middle belt of Nigeria, roughly between latitudes

7.5^\circ\text{N}

and

11^\circ\text{N}

. It constitutes the largest vegetation zone in the country and is characteristically defined by open deciduous woodland, tall tussock grasses (

1.5\text{ m}

3\text{ m}

), and fire-adapted tree species with thick bark, including *Vitellaria paradoxa* (shea butter) and *Parkia biglobosa* (locust bean).

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the geographical coordinates given in the scenario

The target observation point is located around latitude

9^\circ\text{N}

along longitude

7^\circ\text{E}

Nigeria's vegetation belts follow a distinct latitudinal gradient from south to north.

Analyze the plant adaptations and botanical characteristics described

Tall grasses (

1.5\text{ m}

3\text{ m}

), broad-leaved fire-resistant deciduous trees with thick bark, and indicator species like shea butter (*Vitellaria paradoxa*) and locust bean (*Parkia biglobosa*).

These morphological adaptations (thick bark for fire resistance, tall tussock grasses) correspond directly to middle-belt ecological conditions.

Map the coordinates and botanical characteristics to Nigeria's vegetation zonation

Latitude range

7.5^\circ\text{N}

11^\circ\text{N}

corresponds to the Guinea Savanna belt (comprising both Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna sub-zones).

The Guinea Savanna is the largest vegetation belt in Nigeria and occupies this central latitudinal range.

Key Concept

Latitudinal Zonation and Botanical Characteristics of Nigerian Vegetation Belts

Estimated Time:1m 30s

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