(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name: (i) the Rainforest Belt; (ii) the Sahel Savanna (iii) Ibadan. (b) Outline three characteristics...

(a) Sketch map of Nigeria

(b) Three characteristics of the rainforest belt

• It has very tall, evergreen, broad-leaved trees, often with buttress roots. Examples include iroko, obeche and mahogany.
• The trees occur in distinct storeys or layers: an upper canopy, middle layer and lower layer. The canopy is dense and intercepts much sunlight.
• There are many different species of trees, as well as climbers, creepers and epiphytes. Because little light reaches the forest floor, undergrowth is generally sparse.

(c) Four economic importance of rainforest vegetation in Nigeria

• It supplies valuable tropical hardwoods, such as iroko, obeche and mahogany, for building, furniture and other wood industries.
• Logging, sawmilling and related forest industries provide employment and generate income.
• It supports farming, especially plantations of tree crops such as cocoa, rubber and oil palm.
• It provides forest products such as fuelwood, food and medicinal plants for local use and sale.

Examination reminder: Do not state that rainforest undergrowth is dense without qualification. A closed canopy blocks sunlight, so the forest floor usually has little undergrowth, although climbers and epiphytes are common.