Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumMajor Vegetation Zones of Africa

An environmental researcher observes a distinct vegetation belt in West and Central Africa situated between the dense equatorial rainforest to the south and the dry Sudan Savanna to the north. This zone receives an annual rainfall of about 1,000 mm to 1,500 mm and is characterized by tall grasses and scattered deciduous, fire-resistant trees such as the baobab and locust bean. Which major African vegetation zone is being described?

  1. Guinea SavannaAnswer
  2. B
    Sahel Savanna
  3. C
    Tropical Rainforest
  4. D
    Mediterranean Vegetation

Answer

Guinea Savanna
The Guinea Savanna (also known as the Moist Savanna) forms a broad transitional belt directly north of the tropical rainforest. It receives between 1,000 mm and 1,500 mm of annual rainfall and features continuous tall grass cover interspersed with fire-resistant, drought-deciduous trees such as the baobab, locust bean, and shea butter tree.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the spatial location given in the stem.
The zone lies between the equatorial rainforest to the south and the drier savanna/Sahel to the north.
Vegetation belts in West and Central Africa follow a latitudinal zonation aligned with decreasing rainfall northward from the Equator.
2
Evaluate the vegetation characteristics described.
Tall grasses combined with fire-resistant deciduous trees (baobab, shea butter, locust bean) indicate a moist savanna environment.
Annual rainfall of 1,000–1,500 mm produces a longer dry season than the rainforest but far more moisture than the Sahel or desert zones.
3
Match the location and vegetation characteristics to the correct African vegetation zone.
The zone is identified as the Guinea Savanna.
The Guinea Savanna (Moist Savanna) is the broadest vegetation belt immediately north of the rainforest zone.

Key Concept

Major Vegetation Zones of Africa
Rate this question

Topics

Major Vegetation Zones of Africa

More questions from this topic