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Difficulty: MediumVegetation Zones and Distribution in Nigeria

A botanist analyzing plant adaptations along a transect in Nigeria identifies an ecological belt characterized by tall grasses reaching heights of 1.5 to 3 meters, open woodland with fire-resistant trees such as Isoberlinia and Lophira, and an annual rainfall between 1,000 mm and 1,500 mm. Which vegetation zone of Nigeria is being described?

  1. A
    Sudan Savanna
  2. Guinea SavannaAnswer
  3. C
    Sahel Savanna
  4. D
    Tropical Rain Forest

Answer

Guinea Savanna
The Guinea Savanna is Nigeria's most extensive vegetation zone, stretching across the middle belt. It receives moderate rainfall between 1,000 mm and 1,500 mm annually and supports tall grasses alongside scattered deciduous trees with fire-adapted, thick bark like Isoberlinia and Lophira.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the rainfall parameter given in the scenario (1,000 mm to 1,500 mm).
This range falls between the high rainfall of the southern forest zone (> 2,000 mm) and the semi-arid northern savannas (< 1,000 mm).
Rainfall in Nigeria follows a south-to-north gradient, serving as a primary indicator for vegetation boundaries.
2
Evaluate the vegetation structural characteristics (grass height 1.5–3 meters, open woodland with fire-resistant trees like Isoberlinia).
Tall grasses combined with fire-resistant tree species (pyrophytes) define the parkland/wooded savanna structure of middle-belt Nigeria.
Frequent annual bush burning in this sub-humid zone favors thick-barked species capable of surviving seasonal fires.
3
Match the combined ecological features to Nigeria's vegetation zones.
The parameters correspond strictly to the Guinea Savanna belt.
Guinea Savanna occupies the central region of Nigeria and exhibits these distinct botanical and climatic parameters.

Key Concept

Ecological and Botanical Characteristics of Nigerian Savanna Belts
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Topics

Vegetation Zones and Distribution in Nigeria

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