(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa and on it show the following vegetation belts: (i) Tropical rain-forest (ii) Tropical grassland (iii) Temperate grassland (b...

(a) Sketch map of Africa showing the vegetation belts

Key: Dark green represents tropical rain-forest; yellow represents tropical grassland (savanna); orange represents temperate grassland (veld).

(b) Characteristics of the tropical rain-forest of Africa

1. It is a dense, luxuriant and evergreen forest because rainfall and temperatures are high throughout the year.
2. The trees are very tall, commonly about 45 to 60 metres, and form a continuous closed canopy.
3. Vegetation occurs in distinct layers or storeys: emergent trees, canopy, under-storey and shrub or ground layer.
4. There is a great variety of mixed tree species. Lianas and epiphytes are common, while many tall trees have buttress roots for support.

(c) Economic importance of the tropical rain-forest

1. It supplies valuable hardwood timber, such as mahogany, iroko and ebony, for construction, furniture-making and export.
2. It provides fuelwood and charcoal for domestic and small-scale industrial use.
3. It supplies food and other forest products, including fruits, nuts, mushrooms, honey, rubber, medicinal plants, raffia and oil-palm products.
4. It provides raw materials for local craft and processing industries, such as carving, basket-making, paper-making and furniture production, and creates employment in logging and sawmilling.