Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardVegetation Zones and Distribution in Nigeria

A biogeographer is conducting a transect study of Nigerian ecosystems starting at the northern border with Niger Republic (13∘N13^\circ\text{N}) and traveling directly southward to the Atlantic coast (4∘N4^\circ\text{N}). Arrange the following vegetation zones in the correct sequential order from North to South along this transect:

  1. 1Sahel Savanna
  2. 2Sudan Savanna
  3. 3Guinea Savanna
  4. 4Tropical Rain Forest
  5. 5Mangrove Swamp Forest

Answer

The correct order from North to South is: Sahel Savanna, Sudan Savanna, Guinea Savanna, Tropical Rain Forest, and Mangrove Swamp Forest.
Vegetation distribution in Nigeria follows a strict latitudinal pattern corresponding to decreasing annual precipitation and increasing dry season duration from South to North. Starting at the northern border with Niger Republic and moving south toward the Atlantic coast, the transect passes sequentially from the dry Sahel Savanna through the Sudan Savanna, Guinea Savanna, Tropical Rain Forest, and finally into the coastal Mangrove Swamp Forest.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the extreme northern vegetation belt at the border with Niger Republic.
The Sahel Savanna occupies the extreme northern fringe of Nigeria (12∘N−14∘N12^\circ\text{N} - 14^\circ\text{N}).
It experiences the lowest annual rainfall (<500 mm< 500\text{ mm}) and longest dry season.
2
Identify the sub-northern savanna belt directly south of the Sahel.
The Sudan Savanna forms a wide band across northern Nigeria below the Sahel.
Receives moderate annual rainfall (500 mm−1000 mm500\text{ mm} - 1000\text{ mm}) with a 6 to 8 month dry season.
3
Identify the middle-belt vegetation region.
The Guinea Savanna extends across the central region of Nigeria.
It is the largest vegetation zone in Nigeria, receiving 1000 mm−1500 mm1000\text{ mm} - 1500\text{ mm} of rainfall annually.
4
Identify the humid forest zone in southern Nigeria.
The Tropical Rain Forest lies south of the Guinea Savanna in the southern interior.
It receives high annual rainfall (1500 mm−2500 mm1500\text{ mm} - 2500\text{ mm}) supporting tall, layered tree canopies.
5
Identify the coastal saltwater vegetation fringe.
The Mangrove Swamp Forest borders the Atlantic Ocean along the Niger Delta coast.
It thrives in brackish coastal waters with heavy rainfall (>2500 mm> 2500\text{ mm} per year).

Key Concept

Latitudinal Zonation of Vegetation Belts in Nigeria
Rate this question

Topics

Vegetation Zones and Distribution in Nigeria

More questions from this topic