(a) On a sketch map of Africa, mark and name (i) one forest belt (ii) one tropical grassland belt (iii) one major town in each belt (b) Highlight the charac...

(a) Sketch map of Africa

Key: The dark-shaded area is the equatorial forest belt of the Congo Basin, with Kinshasa marked in it. The lightly-shaded area is the Sudan tropical grassland (savanna) belt, with Kano marked in it.

(b) Characteristics of the equatorial forest belt

1. It consists mainly of very tall broad-leaved evergreen trees which form a dense, almost continuous canopy.
2. The trees occur in distinct layers, namely emergents, the main canopy, lower storey and shrub layer.
3. There is dense undergrowth, including ferns, shrubs, climbers (lianas), creepers and epiphytes.
4. The trees are closely spaced and competition for sunlight is intense; consequently, many trees grow straight and have buttress roots for support.
5. The forest is green throughout the year because rainfall is high and well distributed.
6. Tree species are numerous and mixed; valuable hardwoods include mahogany, iroko and obeche.

(c) Importance of the equatorial forest belt to man

1. It supplies valuable timber such as mahogany, iroko and obeche for furniture, building and export.
2. It provides fuelwood, poles, fibres, medicinal plants, fruits and other forest products.
3. Lumbering, sawmilling and wood processing provide employment and income.
4. Plantation agriculture is practised, especially cocoa, rubber, oil palm, coffee and bananas.
5. Hunting and fishing provide food and income for many inhabitants.
6. The forest protects soils from heavy rainfall erosion, helps regulate climate and conserves wildlife.