(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa and on it show: (i) latitudes 30°N and 35°S; (ii) longitudes 15°W and 20°E; (iii) one area each of equatorial climate, tropi...

(a) Sketch map of Africa

The map shows:

• 30°N and 35°S latitudes;
• 15°W and 20°E longitudes;
• equatorial climate in the Congo Basin, with Kinshasa;
• tropical continental climate in the savanna belt, with Kano;
• desert climate in the Sahara, with Cairo.

(b) Effects of tropical continental climate on vegetation

1. Seasonal rainfall produces deciduous trees. Tropical continental areas have a distinct wet season and a long dry season. During the dry season, many trees shed their leaves, reducing water loss by transpiration.
2. Relatively low rainfall favours grassland rather than dense forest. The rainfall is insufficient for a continuous tropical rainforest canopy, so vegetation is mainly savanna: grasses with scattered trees.
3. Plants develop adaptations to survive drought. Trees may have long tap roots to reach water deep in the soil, thick bark, and small leaves. Small leaves reduce the surface area from which water can be lost.
4. The amount and length of rainfall affect how luxuriant the vegetation is. Where the wet season is longer and rainfall is greater, grasses grow taller and trees are more numerous. As rainfall decreases, trees and grasses become shorter and more widely spaced.

Examination reminder: Link each vegetation feature directly to the climatic cause: seasonal rainfall causes leaf fall; low rainfall causes grassland; a long dry season causes drought adaptations; and decreasing rainfall causes less dense, shorter vegetation.