Question

In the outline map of Africa, mark the features, and answer the questions.

1. Colour dark green the area where equatorial forests are found. What difficulties were faced by the explorers because of rivers and natural vegetation of the region?
2. Mark the area that is called an ‘open-air zoo’. Name the vegetation of this region.
3. Mark the Sahara Desert. Name a plant that best survives in the climate of this region. What are the characteristic features of this plant that help it survive?
4. Mark the area north of the Atlas Mountains where the Mediterranean climate is found. Which crops does this climate support?

Answer 1

1. The equator passes through the middle of the continent and most of Africa lies within the tropics. It is, therefore, the hottest continent.
   People faced many difficulties while exploring Africa. In the north, the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, was impenetrable due to severe heat and dry conditions. Most of Africa consists of undulating plateaus, so it was difficult to reach the interior from the coastal areas. The rivers of Africa have many rapids and waterfalls and are not fit for navigation. The extensive equatorial forests and swampy lands teeming with dangerous tsetse flies and poisonous insects discouraged explorers from entering the heart of the continent.

2. These vast grassy plains with tall, coarse grasses are called the savannahs or tropical grasslands. Several varieties of grass, including elephant grass, grow here. Some acacia and baobab trees are found interspersed between the grasses. Please check Map has given on Textbook page 126 (Africa: Climatic and vegetation regions)

3. The trees have long roots, small waxy leaves, and thick spongy bark, which help them survive in the dry summers. Examples include cork, oak, laurel, olive, and fig. Forests are not extensive as most of them have been cut down and replaced by orchards of citrus fruit trees such as oranges, lemons, and grapes.

4. The trees have long roots, small waxy leaves, and thick spongy bark, which help them survive in the dry summers. Examples include cork, oak, laurel, olive, and fig. Forests are not extensive as most of them have been cut down and replaced by orchards of citrus fruit trees such as oranges, lemons, and grapes.