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Difficulty: MediumBiomes and Aquatic/Terrestrial Habitats

In Nigeria, a botanical survey records a vegetation zone characterized by an extensive ground cover of tall grasses (1.5−3 m1.5 - 3\text{ m}) interspersed with scattered, broad-leaved trees possessing thick, corky bark adapted to frequent seasonal bushfires. Which of the following ecological zones does this vegetation represent?

  1. Southern Guinea SavannaAnswer
  2. B
    Tropical Rainforest
  3. C
    Sudan Savanna
  4. D
    Sahel Savanna

Answer

Southern Guinea Savanna is characterized by tall grasses interspersed with broad-leaved, fire-resistant trees.
The Southern Guinea Savanna is the largest vegetation belt in Nigeria. It receives moderate rainfall (1000−1500 mm1000 - 1500\text{ mm} annually) and is typified by tall perennial grasses and scattered broad-leaved deciduous trees with thick, fire-resistant bark capable of surviving annual dry-season fires.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural vegetation features provided in the scenario
Identified tall grasses (1.5−3 m1.5 - 3\text{ m}) and scattered broad-leaved trees with fire-resistant corky bark.
Vegetation structure directly reflects the moisture availability and fire frequency of specific biomes.
2
Compare the identified characteristics against Nigerian vegetation zones
Southern Guinea Savanna is the largest vegetation zone in Nigeria, transitional between the rainforest and northern drier savannas, possessing tall grasses and fire-adapted broad-leaved trees.
Shorter grasses and thorny leaves characterize drier northern zones (Sudan/Sahel), while dense canopies with minimal grasses characterize rainforests.

Key Concept

Nigerian Biomes and Vegetation Characteristics
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Topics

Biomes and Aquatic/Terrestrial Habitats

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