(a) On an outline map of Africa, locate and name: (i) the Veldt (ii) a Mediterranean forest belt (iii) the tropical grassland belt (iv) a major town in each...

(a) Location of vegetation belts and towns on an outline map of Africa

The Veldt is the warm-temperate grassland in the interior of South Africa; Johannesburg is a major town there. Mediterranean forest occurs in the north-western Atlas region and around the south-western Cape; Cape Town is within the Cape belt. The tropical grassland (savanna) forms broad belts north and south of the equatorial forest; Kano is a major town in the northern savanna belt.

(b) Characteristics of tropical grassland (savanna) vegetation

• It is dominated by grasses, commonly about \(2\) m high in wetter areas. The grasses are taller where rainfall is higher and become shorter and more sparse towards drier areas.
• The grasses are green and fresh in the rainy season, but become yellow or brown in the long dry season.
• Trees are scattered rather than forming a continuous forest. Typical trees include acacia, shea butter, locust bean and silk-cotton.
• Many trees are deciduous, shedding their leaves in the dry season to reduce water loss.
• Trees have drought-resistant features such as long tap-roots, thick bark and small leaves. Towards the driest margins, thorny bushes and scrub become more common.

(c) Importance of tropical grassland vegetation to people

• The grasses provide pasture for livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep.
• The relatively open vegetation makes land easier to clear and cultivate. Crops such as millet, guinea corn and groundnuts can be grown.
• Trees supply fuelwood, timber, fruits and useful products such as gum.
• The savanna supports wildlife, providing opportunities for game reserves and tourism.

Examination reminder: Link each savanna characteristic to the seasonal rainfall pattern: a wet season produces green, taller grass, while a long dry season leads to brown grass, deciduous trees and drought-resistant plant adaptations.