Africa: Climate, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife; Minerals

Climate: Predominantly tropical due to its equatorial position, Africa exhibits symmetrical climate zones influenced by latitude, altitude, ocean currents (warm currents increasing heat and rainfall, cold currents causing dryness), and wind patterns. Key climates include year-round hot and wet Equatorial; hot with distinct wet and dry seasons in Tropical Grasslands (Savannas); intensely hot and arid Tropical Deserts; mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers in Mediterranean zones; and cooler, varied conditions in Temperate Highlands.

Natural Vegetation: Major belts include dense, diverse Tropical Rainforests in equatorial areas; Savannas with grasses and scattered trees in tropical wet/dry regions; sparse, drought-resistant plants in Deserts; hardy shrubs and small trees in Mediterranean zones; and changing Montane vegetation with elevation.

Wildlife: Africa’s rich and varied animal life corresponds to its vegetation zones, featuring primates in rainforests; large mammals on savannas; desert-adapted species; specific fauna in Mediterranean areas; and unique highland animals. Conservation issues might also be mentioned.

Minerals: Africa possesses significant mineral wealth, including gold (South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania), diamonds (South Africa, Botswana, Angola), oil (Nigeria, Libya, Algeria), and copper (Zambia, DRC), among others. The chapter likely covers their locations, economic importance, and potential environmental effects.

THINK AND ANSWER

The northern and southern parts of Africa have opposite seasons at any time of the year. Why ?
Ans:

The opposite seasons in northern and southern Africa at any time are due to the Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun.As Earth revolves, this tilt causes either the Northern Hemisphere (including northern Africa) or the Southern Hemisphere (including southern Africa) to lean more directly towards the Sun.

When the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the Sun, it experiences summer with more direct sunlight and longer days, while the Southern Hemisphere tilts away, resulting in winter with less direct sunlight and shorter days. About six months later, this situation reverses as Earth continues its orbit.

Discuss

Discuss how the location of Africa has affected the climate of the country.
Ans:

Africa’s location significantly shapes its diverse climate through several factors:

Latitude: Its position largely within the tropics leads to high year-round solar radiation and generally warm temperatures across much of the continent. The Equator’s bisecting influence creates a roughly symmetrical distribution of climate zones, though modified by other factors. The Hadley cell circulation, driven by equatorial heating, contributes to rainfall in the equatorial region and aridity around the 30th parallels, influencing the Sahara and Kalahari deserts. Only the northern and southern tips extend into mid-latitudes, resulting in Mediterranean climates.

Oceans and Currents: Surrounded by oceans, Africa’s coastal temperatures and rainfall are influenced by large water bodies. Warm currents like the Mozambique Current enhance coastal temperatures and precipitation, while cold currents like the Benguela Current cool the air and reduce moisture, contributing to deserts like the Namib.

Prevailing Winds: Trade winds influence rainfall patterns, with northeast trades bringing dry air to parts of East Africa and southeast trades bringing moisture to the eastern coast. The West African monsoon, driven by seasonal wind shifts, causes distinct wet and dry seasons. Local winds, such as the dry, dusty Harmattan, also create regional climate variations.

Altitude: Significant highlands, like the Ethiopian and East African Highlands, experience cooler and often wetter conditions compared to lower elevations. Mountain ranges can also create rain shadows, leading to drier conditions on their leeward sides.

In essence, Africa’s tropical latitude establishes a generally warm climate, but oceans, currents, prevailing winds, and altitude create substantial regional variations in temperature and rainfall, resulting in the continent’s diverse climates.

VALUES AND LIFE SKILLS

Africa rainforests are one of the densest forests on earth. A large number of trees grow in a relatively small area because the region receives a lot of rain and sunshine, both importance for the growth of plants. Human being also fourish when they get the right conditions.
Can you enlist a few factors that affect the growth of human beings ?
What factors adversely affect the growth of people in an area ?
Ans:

The growth of human beings is a complex process influenced by a multitude of interacting factors. Here are some key factors that affect it:

Factors that Affect the Growth of Human Beings:

• Nutrition: Adequate intake of a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals) is crucial for physical growth, brain development, and overall health. Malnutrition, both undernutrition and overnutrition, can significantly impact growth.
• Genetics: Heredity plays a significant role in determining an individual’s potential for height, body composition, and the timing of developmental milestones. Genes influence how the body utilizes nutrients and responds to environmental factors.
• Hormones: Hormones, such as growth hormone, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone during puberty), are vital regulators of growth and development at different life stages.
• Environment: The physical and social environment significantly impacts growth. This includes factors like:
  • Climate: While the passage mentions rainforests being conducive to plant growth due to rain and sunshine, for humans, a comfortable climate that supports food production and overall well-being is important. Extreme temperatures or harsh weather conditions can hinder growth and development.
  • Sanitation and Hygiene: Access to clean water and proper sanitation prevents diseases that can impair nutrient absorption and overall health, thus supporting healthy growth.
  • Exposure to Pollutants: Air, water, and soil pollution can negatively affect physical and cognitive development.
  • Socioeconomic Factors: Access to quality healthcare, education, and adequate housing are strong determinants of growth and development. Children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds often have better nutrition and healthcare access.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise is essential for muscle and bone development, cardiovascular health, and overall physical well-being, all of which contribute to healthy growth.
• Sleep: Sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for the release of growth hormone, tissue repair, and cognitive development, especially in children and adolescents.
• Emotional Well-being and Stimulation: A nurturing and stimulating environment, with adequate emotional support and opportunities for learning and social interaction, is vital for healthy cognitive and emotional development, which indirectly supports overall well-being and physical growth.
• Healthcare: Access to prenatal care, vaccinations, regular check-ups, and treatment for illnesses is critical for preventing growth-related issues and ensuring healthy development.

Factors that Adversely Affect the Growth of People in an Area:

Many of the factors listed above, when present in a negative way, can adversely affect human growth:

• Malnutrition: Lack of sufficient or balanced food intake leads to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and developmental delays.
• Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions can directly impair physical and cognitive growth.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Deficiencies or excesses of crucial growth-regulating hormones can lead to growth disorders.
• Unfavorable Environment:
  • Harsh Climate: Extreme heat, cold, or unpredictable weather can impact food security and overall health.
  • Poor Sanitation and Lack of Clean Water: Increase the risk of infectious diseases that hinder growth and development.
  • Pollution: Exposure to environmental toxins can damage developing systems and lead to long-term health problems affecting growth.
  • Poverty and Inequality: Limited access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education disproportionately affects growth and development in lower socioeconomic groups.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles can lead to poor muscle and bone development and increased risk of chronic diseases.
• Insufficient or Poor Quality Sleep: Disrupts hormonal regulation and hinders physical and cognitive development.
• Stress and Trauma: Chronic stress, neglect, and traumatic experiences can negatively impact both physical and mental growth.
• Limited Access to Healthcare: Lack of preventative care and timely treatment for illnesses can lead to long-term health issues that impair growth and development.
• Conflict and Instability: War, violence, and displacement disrupt essential services, food supplies, and healthcare, severely impacting the growth and well-being of populations.

EXERCISES

A. Write True or False. Correct the false statements.

1. Nights are very hot in the Sahara Desert.
Ans: False.
Nights are very cold in the Sahara Desert.

2. The cold Canaries Current washes the north-west coast of Africa ?
Ans: True.

3. Savannah is another name for the Sudan type of climate.
Ans: True.

4. Temperate grasslands have dry, tall grasses.
Ans: False.
Temperate grasslands have green, short grasses.

5. The Kalahari Desert is located in north Africa.
Ans: False.
The Kalahari Desert is located in south-central Africa.

B. Give geographical reasons.

Question 1.
The equatorial region has dense forests.
Ans:

Equatorial regions, typically located within 10-15 degrees latitude north and south of the Equator, experience a hot and wet climate year-round. Several factors contribute to this, fostering the growth of dense forests:

• High Temperatures: The sun’s rays are direct in this region throughout the year, resulting in consistently high average temperatures (around 25-30°C). This warmth promotes rapid plant growth.
• Abundant Rainfall: This constant moisture availability is crucial for the survival and proliferation of a wide variety of plant species. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low pressure near the Equator, plays a significant role in this heavy rainfall, often with daily convectional thunderstorms.
• High Humidity: The combination of high temperatures and abundant rainfall leads to high levels of humidity, which is also conducive to plant growth, especially for epiphytes and other moisture-loving plants.
• Consistent Growing Season: With no distinct seasons and favorable conditions year-round, plants can grow continuously, leading to the development of dense, multi-layered forests known as tropical rainforests.
• Intense Sunlight (at the Canopy): While the forest floor receives limited sunlight due to the dense canopy, the upper layers of the forest receive intense sunlight, fueling photosynthesis and biomass production.

Question 2.

The grasses of the savannah and the veldt are different.

Ans:

Savanna grasses, found in tropical regions across central Africa, are typically tall and coarse, adapted to distinct wet and dry seasons with warm to hot temperatures. Examples include elephant grass. They are often fire-resistant.

Veld grasses, located in the temperate interior of South Africa, are generally shorter and finer, adapted to mild, dry winters and warm, wet summers with greater temperature variations.

Question 3.

Plants in the Sahara are thorny and dry.

Ans:

Thorny Features: Many plants in the Sahara possess thorns. These sharp structures serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores that might consume them for their scarce water and nutrients. Additionally, thorns, being modified leaves or stems, can help reduce the plant’s surface area, thus minimizing water loss through transpiration in the arid environment.

Adaptations to Dryness: Saharan plants exhibit a range of adaptations to survive with minimal water:

• Small or absent leaves (often modified into thorns): This significantly reduces the surface area from which water can evaporate.
• Thick, waxy cuticles: These outer layers act as a barrier, preventing water loss from stems and leaves.
• Extensive root systems: Some plants have deep taproots to reach underground water sources, while others have shallow but widespread roots to quickly absorb any surface rainfall.
• Succulence: Certain plants store water in their fleshy stems or leaves.
• Dormancy: Many plants can enter a dormant state during prolonged periods of drought.
• Short life cycles: Ephemeral plants germinate, grow, flower, and produce seeds rapidly after rain, completing their life cycle before the dry conditions return.

While these are common adaptations, there is some diversity in Saharan plant life, and not every species will exhibit all these features to the same degree. Microhabitats like oases can support less extreme adaptations. However, the overall trend is towards thorny structures and physiological mechanisms that conserve water.,

Question 4.

Not much wildlife is found in the Mediterranean region ofAfrica.

Ans:

The statement “Not much wildlife is found in the Mediterranean region of Africa” is incorrect. While it might not have the sheer abundance and megafauna diversity of some other African ecosystems like the savanna or rainforest, the Mediterranean region of Africa (primarily the coastal areas of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and a small part of Libya) is actually a biodiversity hotspot with a significant amount of unique and important wildlife.

Here’s why the statement is wrong and what kind of wildlife is found there:

• High Endemism: The Mediterranean Basin, including the African portions, is recognized for its high levels of endemism, meaning many plant and animal species are found nowhere else on Earth.
• Diverse Habitats: The region comprises a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, shrublands (like the maquis), wetlands, and coastal areas, each supporting different types of wildlife.
• Specific Examples of Wildlife:
  • Mammals: The region is home to mammals like the Barbary macaque (an endangered species), the aoudad (Barbary sheep), caracal, common genet, Eurasian otter, and golden jackal. Smaller mammals like various gerbils, the North African hedgehog, and several bat species also exist.
  • Birds: It’s a crucial area for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. Important bird species include the endangered northern bald ibis and Egyptian vulture, as well as various raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds.
  • Reptiles and Amphibians: The region has a diverse array of reptiles, including endemic skinks and the critically endangered Kleinmann’s tortoise. Endemic amphibians like the North African fire salamander and various toads are also present.
  • Invertebrates: A vast number of insect species, including many endemic ones, inhabit the region.
  • Marine Life: The Mediterranean Sea along the African coast is home to various marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, and other marine organisms.

Reasons for Misconception and Threats:

The misconception might arise due to factors like:

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Extensive human settlement, agriculture, and tourism development have significantly reduced and fragmented natural habitats in the Mediterranean region.
• Deforestation: Historically, forests have been cleared for agriculture and other purposes.
• Human Pressure: High human population density and activities put significant pressure on the remaining wildlife.

In conclusion, while the Mediterranean region of Africa faces significant threats to its biodiversity, it is still home to a notable amount of unique and important wildlife. It’s a biodiversity hotspot, indicating a high concentration of endemic species and significant biodiversity value, even if the abundance of some species has declined due to human activities.

C. Answer the following questions in brief.

Question 1.
Most ofAfrica is hot. Why ?
Ans:

The dominant factor contributing to the widespread heat across Africa is its latitudinal position.This zone experiences the most direct solar radiation throughout the year, resulting in consistently high temperatures. The passage of the Equator through Africa further intensifies this solar input.

Furthermore, global air circulation patterns, notably the Hadley cells formed by heating at the Equator, contribute to warm and dry conditions in Africa’s subtropical areas. While local elements like altitude and ocean currents can cause temperature variations in specific regions, the primary reason for Africa’s hot climate is its significant presence in the low-latitude tropical and subtropical zones, which absorb a large amount of solar energy.

Question 2.

What factors influence the climate of Africa ?

Ans:

Africa’s climate is incredibly diverse, ranging from scorching deserts to lush rainforests, and this variety is influenced by several key factors:

1. Latitude: This is perhaps the most dominant factor.
   • Equatorial Position: The vast majority of Africa lies within the tropics, extending roughly from 35° South to 37° North latitude. This position means the continent receives direct and intense sunlight throughout the year, leading to consistently high temperatures across much of the continent.
   • Symmetry: The Equator bisects Africa, resulting in a largely symmetrical arrangement of climatic zones on either side (e.g., tropical rainforests near the equator, transitioning to savannas, then deserts, and finally Mediterranean climates at the extreme north and south).
2. Ocean Currents: The temperature of ocean currents flowing along Africa’s coasts significantly impacts coastal climates:
   • Warm Currents: The Mozambique Current and Agulhas Current (warm currents) flow along the southeastern coast, bringing warmth and moisture, contributing to higher temperatures and rainfall in those areas.
   • Cold Currents: The Benguela Current (cold current) flows along the southwestern coast, leading to cooler temperatures and extremely arid conditions (like the Namib Desert) because the cool air above the cold water is stable and does not rise to form rain-bearing clouds.
3. Prevailing Winds: The direction and moisture content of winds play a crucial role:
   • Trade Winds: These winds blow consistently from high-pressure areas towards the equator.
     • Northeast Trade Winds: Blowing from the Sahara, these are generally dry, contributing to arid conditions in North Africa.
     • Southeast Trade Winds: Blowing from the Indian Ocean, these bring moisture to East and Southern Africa, especially during specific seasons.
   • Monsoons: The West African Monsoon, driven by seasonal shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), brings significant rainfall to West Africa during the summer months.
   • Local Winds: Various local wind systems, like the dry, dusty Harmattan wind in West Africa, also influence regional climates.
4. Distance from the Sea (Continentality):
   • Coastal Areas: Regions closer to the ocean experience more moderate temperatures with smaller daily and seasonal variations, and generally higher humidity and rainfall.
   • Inland Areas: The interior of the continent, far from the moderating influence of the oceans, experiences more extreme temperatures (very hot summers, cooler winters) and typically lower humidity and precipitation.
5. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): The ITCZ is a major rain-bearing system, and its seasonal migration dictates the rainy and dry seasons across much of tropical Africa, particularly influencing the monsoon systems.
6. Rain Shadow Effect: Mountains force moist air to rise, cool, and release precipitation on the windward side. The leeward side, on the other hand, receives much less rainfall, creating dry “rain shadow” areas (e.g., parts of the Great Rift Valley).
7. Blocking Effects: Mountain ranges can also block the passage of air masses, influencing the distribution of rainfall.

Question 3.

Name a cold and a warm current that affect the climate of Africa.

Ans:

Africa’s coastal waters are influenced by two major ocean currents, each shaping regional climate conditions:

• Mozambique Current – This warm ocean current flows along Africa’s eastern coastline, eventually transitioning into the Agulhas Current as it moves southward. It carries warm tropical waters, increasing temperatures, humidity, and rainfall across southeastern coastal regions, contributing to the region’s moist and temperate climate.
• Benguela Current – Traveling northward along the western coast of southern Africa, this cold current originates in the South Atlantic Ocean. It cools the surrounding air and limits its moisture-holding capacity, resulting in low precipitation levels. This phenomenon plays a key role in the arid conditions of the Namib Desert, shaping its dry and extreme environment.

Question 4.

What are 4 o’clock showers ? In which climatic region of Africa do they occur ?

Ans:

4 o’clock showers are a common pattern of daily afternoon rainfall in some tropical areas. They develop as the sun intensely heats the ground, causing evaporation and rising warm, moist air. As this air rises and cools, water vapor condenses into cumulonimbus clouds, leading to heavy showers, often with thunder, typically in the afternoon.

In Africa, 4 o’clock showers are characteristic of the Equatorial climate region, found primarily in:

• The Congo Basin
• The coast of the Gulf of Guinea
• Lowland areas near the Equator
• Parts of coastal Kenya

This region experiences consistently high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall throughout the year, with these regular afternoon downpours being a common feature.

Question 5.

Which region is called an open air zoo ? Why ?

Ans:

The savanna region is often referred to as an open-air zoo.  

Here’s why:

• Vast Grasslands: Savannas are characterized by expansive grassy plains with tall, coarse grasses and scattered trees. This open environment allows for easy observation of wildlife.  
• Abundance and Diversity of Wildlife: Savannas support a large number and variety of herbivorous animals like giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelopes that graze on the abundant grasses.  
• Presence of Carnivores: Following the herbivores are numerous carnivorous predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs, which roam freely in search of prey.  
• Natural Habitat: Unlike a traditional zoo where animals are confined in enclosures, the savanna is the natural habitat for these creatures. They live and interact within a large, unfenced ecosystem.  
• Easy Viewing: The relatively open landscape makes it easier to spot and observe these animals in their natural behaviors, such as grazing, hunting, and interacting with each other, much like observing animals in a zoo, but within a vast, natural setting.  

Therefore, the term “open-air zoo” aptly describes the savanna due to its wide-open spaces and the significant populations of diverse African wildlife that can be readily observed in their natural environment. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, a large savanna ecosystem, is a prime example of a region that could be called an open-air zoo.

D. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs.

Question 1.
Describe the three-tier forest of the equatorial region.
Ans:

Equatorial rainforests exhibit a distinct three-layer vertical structure based on sunlight penetration:

1. Emergent Layer (Top): The tallest trees, reaching 45-55+ meters, with broad crowns exposed to maximum sunlight, wind, and rain. Examples include Kapok and mahogany. Home to eagles and bats.
   
2. Canopy Layer (Middle): It’s highly biodiverse, hosting epiphytes, lianas, monkeys, birds, and insects in a humid, stable environment.
   
3. Understory Layer (Bottom): Consists of smaller, shade-tolerant trees, shrubs, ferns, and herbs with large leaves. Home to young mammals, insects, reptiles, and some birds.
   

This three-tiered structure in equatorial forests reflects the intense competition for sunlight, with each layer supporting unique plant and animal life adapted to the specific light conditions.

Question 2.

Give examples of herbivorous and carnivorous animals found in the savannah grasslands.

Ans:

Here are some examples of plant-eating (herbivorous) and meat-eating (carnivorous) animals in the savanna grasslands:

Herbivores:

• Zebras (eat grasses)
• Wildebeest (eat grasses)
• Giraffes (eat leaves from trees)
• Elephants (eat grasses, leaves, bark, fruits)
• Gazelles (eat grasses and low plants)
• Buffalo (eat grasses)
• Impalas (eat grasses and leaves)
• White Rhinos (eat short grasses)
• Warthogs (mainly eat roots, tubers, and grasses)

Carnivores:

• Lions (hunt large herbivores)
• Cheetahs (hunt fast herbivores like gazelles)
• Leopards (hunt various animals)
• Hyenas (hunt and scavenge)
• Wild Dogs (hunt in packs)
• Jackals (hunt small animals and scavenge)
• Servals (hunt small mammals and birds)
• Eagles (hunt small animals and birds)
• Snakes (hunt smaller animals)

Question 3.

Identify the hot deserts of Africa and briefly describe the climatic conditions in terms of temperature and rainfall.

Ans:

Africa’s key hot deserts include:

1. Sahara Desert (North Africa): Characterized by intense heat, with average yearly temperatures exceeding 30°C and summer peaks often above 40°C. Daily temperature fluctuations are significant. Rainfall is very scarce and unpredictable, typically below 100 mm annually, with some regions receiving less than 50 mm.
   
2. Namib Desert (Southwestern Africa): Coastal temperatures are moderated by the cold Benguela Current, generally ranging from 9-20°C annually. Inland areas experience greater temperature variability, with summer days often above 30°C (potentially reaching 40°C+) and significant nighttime cooling, including possible winter frost inland. Rainfall is extremely low, averaging less than 10 mm per year in the driest areas, with minimal coastal rainfall (2-20 mm), although fog provides some moisture.
   
3. Kalahari Desert (Southern Africa): Exhibits considerable seasonal temperature variations, with summer temperatures between 20-40°C or higher, and cold, dry winters where nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing (sometimes to -12°C). Rainfall is more substantial than in true deserts, ranging from 110-500 mm per year (lowest in the southwest), erratic, and mainly occurring during summer thunderstorms, with the northern and eastern parts being more sub-humid.

Question 4.

Why is the camel called ‘the ship of the desert’ ?

Ans:

The camel is called the ‘ship of the desert’ due to several remarkable adaptations that allow it to thrive and serve as a crucial means of transport in the harsh desert environment:

• Ability to Traverse Sandy Terrain: Camels have wide, padded feet with two toes that can spread out. This distributes their weight over a larger surface area, preventing them from sinking into the loose sand, similar to how a ship floats on water.
• Endurance and Load-Carrying Capacity: Camels are strong animals capable of carrying heavy loads (people and goods) over long distances across the desert, much like a ship carrying cargo across the sea.
• Water Conservation: Camels have remarkable adaptations for conserving water. They can go for extended periods without drinking water due to their ability to tolerate significant dehydration, their efficient kidneys that produce concentrated urine, and their dry feces. They can also rehydrate quickly by drinking large amounts of water at once. This ability to endure the scarcity of water in the desert is essential for long journeys.
• Adaptation to Extreme Temperatures: Camels can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from the intense heat of the day to the cold desert nights. Their thick fur provides insulation against both heat and cold. They also have the ability to raise their body temperature during the day, reducing the need to sweat and lose precious water.
• Resistance to Sandstorms: Camels have features like long eyelashes, bushy eyebrows, and the ability to close their nostrils to protect themselves from blowing sand during sandstorms, allowing them to continue their journey even in adverse conditions.
• Dependability as Transportation: For centuries, camels have been the primary mode of transportation for people and goods across the vast deserts of Africa and Asia, playing a role analogous to ships in maritime environments by facilitating travel and trade.

Question 5.

Describe the Mediterranean climate.

Ans:

Understanding the Mediterranean Climate:

The Mediterranean climate is recognized for its distinct pattern of warm, dry summers and cool, wetter winters.

Core Features:

• Temperature: Summers tend to be hot and sunny, with limited rainfall. Coastal locations often enjoy milder conditions due to the nearby sea, while inland areas may experience greater temperature extremes. Winters are generally mild, providing a sharp contrast to the summer heat.
  
• Rainfall Patterns: One of the defining traits of this climate is its seasonal precipitation. Most rain falls during the cooler winter months, while summers remain largely dry. Annual rainfall typically falls between 35 and 90 centimeters.
  
• Sunshine: These areas are known for abundant sunshine throughout the year, especially during the extended dry season in summer.
  
• Geographic Moderation: The presence of large water bodies near Mediterranean climate zones plays a key role in tempering temperature fluctuations, helping to create a more stable and comfortable climate year-round.

Global Distribution and Impact:

Outside the Mediterranean Sea region, this climate type also appears in parts of coastal California (USA), central Chile, southwestern Australia, and South Africa’s Western Cape. It influences local ecosystems, supports specific types of agriculture, and encourages the cultivation of crops such as grapes, olives, and citrus fruits, which thrive under its conditions.

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

Question 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 ?
Ans:

Okay, imagine I have a map of Africa in front of me. I would mentally (or digitally, if I could interact with an image) colour a band of dark green across the central part of the continent, roughly following the Equator. This band would primarily cover:

• Coastal West Africa: A narrower strip extending along the coast of West Africa, including parts of countries like Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria.
• Parts of East Africa: Smaller pockets around Lake Victoria and some coastal areas of Kenya and Tanzania.

The dense equatorial rainforests and the powerful rivers within them presented formidable obstacles to early explorers:

Difficulties due to Natural Vegetation (Dense Forests):

• Impenetrable Undergrowth: The multi-layered structure of the rainforest, with its dense canopy blocking sunlight, resulted in a thick, tangled undergrowth of shrubs, vines (lianas), ferns, and other vegetation. This made movement incredibly slow, arduous, and physically exhausting. Explorers had to hack their way through with machetes, making progress painstakingly slow.
• Limited Visibility and Navigation: The dense foliage severely restricted visibility, making it difficult to navigate and maintain a sense of direction. Getting lost was a constant danger. The thick canopy also obscured landmarks like hills or distant features.
• Dangerous Wildlife: The dense vegetation provided cover for a variety of dangerous animals, including venomous snakes, insects (like malaria-carrying mosquitoes and biting flies), and larger predators that could ambush explorers.
• Disease: The hot, humid conditions within the rainforests were breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects, leading to widespread illnesses like malaria, yellow fever, sleeping sickness, and various fungal and parasitic infections that decimated exploration parties.
• Psychological Impact: The constant darkness, humidity, and oppressive atmosphere of the dense forest could take a toll on the explorers’ morale and mental well-being, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and despair.
• Lack of Resources: Finding food and fresh water within the dense, unfamiliar forest could be challenging, especially if explorers strayed from rivers or established paths.

Difficulties due to Rivers:

• Dense Vegetation Along Riverbanks: While rivers offered a potential route for travel, their banks were often choked with thick vegetation, making it difficult to land, establish camps, or move inland.
• Strong Currents and Rapids: Many equatorial rivers have strong currents and unpredictable rapids, making navigation by boat dangerous and prone to accidents.
• Large Waterfalls and Obstructions: Waterfalls and other natural obstructions often forced explorers to abandon their boats and undertake difficult and time-consuming portages through the dense forest.
• Riverine Wildlife: Rivers were home to their own set of dangers, including crocodiles, hippos, and various waterborne diseases.
• Seasonal Flooding: The heavy rainfall in the equatorial region often led to significant and unpredictable flooding of rivers, inundating surrounding areas and making travel impossible.
• Navigational Challenges: The winding nature of many equatorial rivers and the presence of numerous tributaries could make navigation complex and lead to explorers getting lost or heading in the wrong direction.

In conclusion, the combination of the dense, challenging natural vegetation and the powerful, often treacherous rivers of the equatorial region presented immense physical, logistical, and health-related difficulties for early explorers venturing into the heart of Africa. Their journeys were often marked by slow progress, disease, danger, and significant loss of life.

Question 2.

Mark the area that is called an ‘open air zoo’. Name the vegetation of this region.

Ans:

Africa’s savanna, frequently called an “open-air zoo,” is a large grassland ecosystem notable for its wide variety of life and characteristic plant cover. Its main locations are:

East Africa: Including Tanzania’s well-known Serengeti Plains and Kenya’s Masai Mara, famous for animal migrations. Southern Africa: Covering areas in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, providing extensive habitats for many species.

Vegetation Features: Dominant Grasses: The savanna is mainly covered by tall, often tough grasses that are well-suited to seasonal changes and can survive fires. Examples include elephant grass and red oat grass. Scattered Trees: Trees are spread out across the landscape, often alone or in small groups. Many have adaptations to cope with dry conditions: Acacia trees: Small leaves reduce water loss, and deep roots reach underground water. Baobab trees: Thick trunks store water for long dry spells. Broad canopies: Certain Acacia trees have umbrella-like shapes to maximize sunlight absorption. Presence of Shrubs: In some areas, scattered shrubs are also found. Herbaceous Plants: During wetter times, various non-woody plants grow, adding to the ecosystem’s richness.

This diverse environment supports a remarkable array of wildlife, including large plant-eaters like zebras and elephants, as well as predators such as lions and cheetahs, making it one of Africa’s most famous natural environments.

Question 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 ?

Ans:

You would mark a vast area across North Africa as the Sahara Desert. This area extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east, encompassing parts of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.  

A plant that is well-adapted to survive in the climate of the Sahara Desert is the Acacia tree.  

Here are the characteristic features of the Acacia tree that help it survive in the harsh desert environment:

• Small Leaves (or thorns): Many Acacia species have very small leaves or modified leaves in the form of thorns. This significantly reduces the surface area exposed to the sun and wind, minimizing water loss through transpiration.  
• Deep Root Systems: Acacia trees typically possess extensive and deep root systems that can reach far underground to tap into scarce water sources. Some species have taproots that can extend dozens of meters deep.  
• Drought Tolerance: They have physiological adaptations that allow them to tolerate long periods of drought and dehydration. Their tissues can withstand significant water loss without permanent damage.  
• Fast Growth (after rain): Some Acacia species can grow relatively quickly when rainfall occurs, allowing them to take advantage of the limited periods of moisture availability.
• Nitrogen Fixation: Many Acacias are legumes, meaning they have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. This allows them to thrive in nutrient-poor desert soils.  
• Fire Resistance (in some species): Some Acacia species have thick bark that provides insulation against the heat of occasional desert fires, allowing them to survive.  
• Water Storage (in some species): Certain Acacia species can store small amounts of water in their roots or stems.
• Horizontal Root Spread: In addition to deep taproots, some Acacias also have shallow, widespread roots to quickly absorb any surface water from infrequent rainfall.
• Light-colored Bark or Leaves: Some species have lighter-colored bark or leaves that reflect more sunlight, helping to keep the plant cooler and reduce water loss.

Question 4.

Mark the area north of the Atlas Mountains where the Mediterranean climate is found. Which crops does this climate support ?

Answer:

F. Picture study

Question 1.
What kind of climate is experienced in the region shown in the picture ?
Ans:

Based on the image, the region likely experiences a hot, arid desert climate. The presence of a camel suggests an environment characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall, and sparse vegetation.

Question 2.

What kind of vegetation grows in such a climate ?

Ans:

Sparse, drought-adapted vegetation grows in such a climate. This includes thorny shrubs, succulents (like cacti and aloe), and hardy grasses with adaptations like small leaves, deep roots, and water storage capabilities to survive with minimal rainfall.

Question 3.

Fill in the blanks : The animal seen in the picture is often referred to as the _____ of the _____

Ans:

The animal seen in the picture is often referred to as the ship of the desert.