WAEC SSCE - Geography - 1991

The most critical element in an ecosystem is the

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The most critical element in an ecosystem is energy flow within the system. An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their physical environment, which interact with each other to form a functional unit. The ecosystem is sustained by the flow of energy, which is captured by producers (plants) through photosynthesis and then transferred to consumers (animals) through feeding. Energy flow is critical to the functioning of an ecosystem because all living organisms require energy to carry out their metabolic processes. Without energy flow, the ecosystem would collapse, and all the organisms in it would die. While growth per day, the number of species, the extent of area covered, and the location of the ecosystem are all important factors, they are ultimately dependent on the flow of energy. For example, the growth of plants and the survival of animals depend on the availability of energy in the form of food. Similarly, the number and diversity of species in an ecosystem depend on the availability of energy and nutrients. Therefore, energy flow is the most critical element in an ecosystem because it is essential for the survival and functioning of all living organisms within the ecosystem.

Mass movement of weathered materials may be gradual or sudden depending on the I, gradient of the slope and gravitational force 11 weight of the weathered debris III, supply of lubricating moisture by rainwater coupled with gravitation force IV type of weathering which has taken place

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In 1985 Anambra State with a land area of about 17.700km² had a population of about 6,175,000 what was the approximate population density per km²?

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To calculate the population density, we divide the population by the land area: Population density = Population / Land area Substituting the given values, we have: Population density = 6,175,000 / 17,700 Population density = 348.87 people per km² (rounded to the nearest whole number) Therefore, the approximate population density per km² is 349 people. Answer option (iv) is the correct answer.

Which of the following is not important in defining soil?

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An intrusion of magma along a bedding plane is called a

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When a plateau is enclosed by fold mountains it is alled

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When a plateau is enclosed by fold mountains it is called an intermontane plateau. This type of plateau is usually formed due to tectonic activities where the plateau is lifted up by folding and faulting of the earth's crust. The fold mountains that enclose the plateau act as natural boundaries, and the plateau may have a flat or undulating surface. Intermontane plateaus are often rich in minerals due to their geological formation and can be found in various parts of the world, including the Rocky Mountains in North America and the Tibetan Plateau in Asia.

Through which of the following sea routes is Nigerian crude oil transported to European sets? The

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The active human population is determined by its

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A conurbation can best be described as

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A conurbation refers to a region that comprises several towns or cities that have grown and expanded to the point where their suburbs have merged, creating a single large urban settlement. Essentially, it's a densely populated area made up of multiple cities and towns that are physically and economically interconnected. So, option B, "several towns whose suburbs have expanded and merged to form an urban sprawl," best describes a conurbation.

All the following are products of the chemical industry except

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Alumina is the product of the aluminum industry and not the chemical industry. Therefore, the correct answer is Alumina. The chemical industry is responsible for producing a wide range of products, including synthetic rubber, dye, fertilizers, and plastics. These products are made through a variety of chemical processes and are used in a wide range of applications across different industries. Alumina, on the other hand, is produced through the refining of bauxite ore and is primarily used in the production of aluminum.

Transportation helps economic development through all the following except the

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Transportation helps economic development through all the options given except the distribution of population. Transportation facilitates the movement of people and goods from one place to another, which in turn leads to increased economic activity and development. With transportation, people can travel to new places to find work or start businesses, and goods can be transported to different markets, promoting national and international trade. Transportation also plays a crucial role in the diffusion of ideas and technology, as it allows for the transfer of knowledge and innovation across regions and countries. Additionally, transportation helps promote national integration by connecting different regions of a country and allowing people to move freely between them. However, transportation may not necessarily contribute to the distribution of population, as people tend to migrate to areas with better economic opportunities, regardless of whether there is adequate transportation infrastructure or not. Therefore, transportation may not directly impact the distribution of population in a significant way.

Which of the following does not encourage desertification?

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Thermal electricity is produced in all the following areas except

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The environmental lapse rate is best described as

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Salinity is mainly dependent on!, evaporation,II, the amount of fresh water added III, ocean currents IV winds

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The innermost party of the earth which is rich in iron and nickel and is usually subjected to great heat and pressure is termed the

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The monthly range of temperature is the

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The monthly range of temperature is the difference between the highest and lowest daily temperatures for the month. This means that for each day of the month, the highest temperature and the lowest temperature are recorded. The range of temperature for the month is then calculated by subtracting the lowest temperature from the highest temperature for the month. For example, if the highest temperature recorded during the month was 30°C and the lowest temperature recorded was 10°C, the range of temperature for the month would be: 30°C - 10°C = 20°C Therefore, the correct answer is "differences between the highest and lowest daily temperature for the month."

Which of the following regions in Nigeria is not sparsely populated? The

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The longitudinal extent of Nigeria is

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Which of the factors least affects distribution of vegetation?

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Man (human activities) is the factor that least affects the distribution of vegetation. While humans can certainly have an impact on the environment and ecosystems through activities like deforestation, land-use changes, and pollution, their impact is generally localized and can be limited in scale. In contrast, the other factors listed - rainfall, wind, soil, and temperature - are all natural factors that have a significant influence on the distribution of vegetation. For example, different types of vegetation are adapted to specific temperature ranges, rainfall levels, and soil conditions. Wind can also affect vegetation distribution by drying out plants or damaging them physically. Therefore, while humans can have an impact on vegetation distribution, their impact is generally less significant than natural factors such as rainfall, wind, soil, and temperature.

The isoberlina tree is characteristic of the

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The Isoberlina tree is characteristic of the Guinea savanna region in Nigeria. Guinea savanna is a transitional zone between the tropical rainforest and the arid Sahel region, and it is characterized by a mixture of grassland and woodland with scattered trees. The Isoberlina tree is a deciduous tree that is well adapted to the Guinea savanna region. It grows in association with other savanna trees such as the shea tree, locust bean tree, and acacia trees. The Isoberlina tree is an important source of firewood, charcoal, and timber, and its leaves are used for medicinal purposes. It is also an important food source for wildlife, especially during the dry season when other vegetation is scarce.

The montane vegetation is most widespread on the

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Which of the following towns is most important for the mining of gold in Africa?

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Johannesburg is the most important town for the mining of gold in Africa. Johannesburg is located in South Africa and is known as the City of Gold because of its rich history and connection to gold mining. It was founded in the late 1800s after gold was discovered in the area, and it quickly became a center for gold mining and related industries. Today, Johannesburg is still an important center for gold mining in Africa, with several large gold mines located in the area.

Water pollution is caused by all the following except

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Water pollution is not caused by sand filling. Sand filling, which involves the placement of sand in a specific area to fill in gaps or create land, does not necessarily involve the discharge of pollutants into the water. However, the other options listed - increased silt load, sewage disposal, industrial effluent, and mineral workings - can all contribute to water pollution. Increased silt load can lead to sedimentation, blocking sunlight, and reducing oxygen levels, which can harm aquatic life. Sewage disposal can introduce harmful bacteria and viruses into the water, which can cause diseases in humans and aquatic life. Industrial effluent can contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals that can damage aquatic ecosystems and affect the health of people who consume the contaminated water. Mineral workings can produce acidic runoff that can pollute nearby streams and rivers, killing fish and other aquatic organisms.

Which of the following does not intervene in the natural environment?

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Harmattan is the option that does not intervene in the natural environment. Harmattan is a dry and dusty trade wind that blows from the Sahara desert over West Africa towards the Gulf of Guinea during the winter months. It is a natural occurrence caused by atmospheric pressure differences between the Sahara and the Gulf of Guinea. Unlike the other options listed, harmattan does not involve human activities that have an impact on the natural environment. Construction works, land reclamation, farming, and pollution are all human activities that can have a negative impact on the environment.

The planet with the longest orbit around the sun is

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Pluto has the longest orbit around the Sun compared to the other four options given. It takes Pluto approximately 248 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun. In contrast, Earth takes about 365 days to complete one orbit around the Sun. This means that Pluto takes almost 248 times longer than Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun. So, Pluto has the longest orbit around the Sun among the five options provided.

What is the local time of a place on longitude 64^{0E when the GMT is 10.00a.m?}

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Which of the following is a product of chemical weathering?

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The product of chemical weathering is a change in the chemical composition of rocks and minerals, resulting in the formation of new substances. Therefore, the answer to the question would be one of the options that is a result of chemical weathering. Among the options listed, the product of chemical weathering is "Grike." Grike is a solution hollow formed by the chemical weathering of limestone bedrock. As water flows through the cracks and fissures in the rock, it dissolves the rock's calcium carbonate and creates openings and cavities called grikes. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "Grike."

Settlements can be classified according to all the following except

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Which of the following may be not solve the problem of over-population?

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A conurbation can best be described as

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A conurbation is a term used to describe a region or area where several towns and their suburbs have expanded and merged together, forming a continuous urban sprawl. It is characterized by a high population density and economic integration, with people living and working across different towns and cities within the area. A conurbation may consist of two or more towns joined together, but still retaining their distinct identities, or it may be a continuous belt of urban settlements. Essentially, a conurbation is a large metropolitan area formed by the merging of several smaller towns and suburbs.

The liquid portion of the earth may be referred to as the

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The liquid portion of the earth is referred to as the "hydrosphere". The hydrosphere is the part of the Earth's surface where water exists, including oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. It is composed of all the water on the planet, which makes up about 71% of the Earth's surface. The other major spheres of the Earth are the atmosphere, which is the layer of gases that surrounds the planet; the lithosphere, which is the solid outer layer of the Earth's surface; and the biosphere, which is the part of the Earth where life exists. Therefore, the hydrosphere refers specifically to the liquid portion of the Earth, while the other spheres refer to different aspects of the planet.

Most warm ocean currents flow

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The greatest hydro-electric power potential in Nigeria is found in the

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The greatest hydro-electric power potential in Nigeria is found in the Niger-Benue trough. This is because the Niger-Benue trough is a geological feature that runs through the center of Nigeria, and it is characterized by several large rivers and reservoirs that can be used for hydro-electric power generation. The major rivers in this trough include the Niger, Benue, and Kaduna rivers, which have the potential to generate a significant amount of electricity. Additionally, there are several dams and hydro-electric power plants located in this region, such as the Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro dams, which are some of the largest in Nigeria. Therefore, the Niger-Benue trough has the greatest potential for hydro-electric power generation in Nigeria.

The major problem facing livestock farming in East Africa is the

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Which of the following is not one of the aims and objectives of the ECOWAS? To

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The aim of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is to promote economic integration among its member states in West Africa. The organization seeks to achieve this through the establishment of a common market, harmonization of economic policies, and the removal of trade barriers among member states. Additionally, ECOWAS aims to improve political stability and security in the region, promote cultural and educational cooperation, and provide a common fund to help the needy. Therefore, the option that is not one of the aims and objectives of ECOWAS is "encourage emigration of people in all member states."

The most important cash crop in the irrigated Nile Basin is

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The most important cash crop in the irrigated Nile Basin is cotton. Cotton is a major cash crop in the Nile Basin due to its importance in the textile industry and the high demand for cotton products globally. The Nile Basin region has suitable climatic conditions for cotton cultivation, with sufficient water resources from the river Nile and its tributaries, making it an ideal crop for irrigation. Cotton cultivation in the Nile Basin is an important economic activity, providing employment opportunities for millions of people in the region, and contributing significantly to the economies of countries such as Egypt and Sudan. The region also produces other crops such as wheat, sugarcane, and groundnuts, but cotton remains the most important cash crop due to its economic value and high demand in the global market.

One major relative advantage of road transportation over rail is that it

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The major relative advantage of road transportation over rail is that it provides door-to-door service. Unlike rail transportation, which is limited to specific stations and depots, road transportation can deliver goods and passengers directly to their desired destination, making it a more convenient and flexible mode of transportation. This also allows for quicker delivery times and more personalized service.

The active human population is determined by its

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Which of the following environmental hazards has been paired with the wrong factor?

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The environmental hazard that has been paired with the wrong factor is "Floods and human factor only." Floods are not caused by human factors alone. Floods can also be caused by natural factors like heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, and tsunamis. Human factors can contribute to floods by altering the natural landscape through activities like deforestation, construction, and urbanization. However, natural factors still play a significant role in the occurrence of floods. To summarize, floods are not solely caused by human factors, but rather by a combination of both natural and human factors.

Which of the following statements is not correct?

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All the following highlands in Nigeria are composed of basement complex rocks except the

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(a) On an outline map of West Africa, show
(i) one area having less than four months of rainfall annually
(ii) one area having rainfall all the year round
(iii) the position of the high pressure belt in January

(b) Give three reasons for the length of the rainy season in (a)(i) above

(c) Explain three problems that rainfall may pose to agriculture in (a) (ii) above 
 

Détails de la réponse

(a)

1. The Sahel region, which includes parts of Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan, experiences less than four months of rainfall annually.
2. The coastal region of West Africa, including countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, experiences rainfall all year round.
3. The high pressure belt in January is located over the Sahara desert and the Sahel region.

(b)

The three reasons for the length of the rainy season in the Sahel region (area with less than four months of rainfall annually) are:

1. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): During the rainy season, the ITCZ, a low-pressure zone where the trade winds converge, moves southwards towards the Sahel region. This brings moist air, which leads to rainfall.
2. Monsoon winds: The Sahel region is influenced by the West African monsoon winds, which bring moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. These winds help to sustain the rainy season.
3. The Gulf of Guinea: The warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea also contribute to the length of the rainy season in the Sahel region. The warm waters evaporate, and the moisture is carried inland by the monsoon winds.

(c)

The three problems that rainfall may pose to agriculture in the coastal region of West Africa (area with rainfall all year round) are:

1. Soil erosion: Heavy rainfall can cause soil erosion, which can wash away fertile topsoil and leave the land less productive. This is a major problem in areas with steep slopes and poor soil structure.
2. Flooding: Excessive rainfall can also cause flooding, which can destroy crops and homes, and lead to the loss of life. Flooding can also cause soil saturation, which can lead to the loss of soil nutrients and make it difficult for crops to grow.
3. Plant diseases: Rainfall can increase the incidence of plant diseases, which can reduce crop yields. Moisture-loving fungi and bacteria thrive in wet conditions and can infect crops, leading to poor quality and reduced yields.

 Write explanatory notes on each of the following

(a) Land and sea breezes

(b) Temperature inversion

(c) Convectional rainfall 
 

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None

 (a) Of what importance is the Aswan High Dam to the Nile Basin?

(b) Identify four problems resulting from the construction of the dam. 

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None

 In what ways can transportation contribute to the economic development of any one country? 
 

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None

What five factors determine the volume of trade between Nigeria and Ghana

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None

 (a) Describe the characteristics of the tropical grassland vegetation

(b) Outline the economic values of this vegetation type to the inhabitants of the region 

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None

(a) Explain two physical and two human factors which may favour a rapid growth of population

(b) Outline five problems that may arise from the rapid growth of population
 

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None

(a) Distinguish between rotation and revolution of the earth

(b) Highlight any two effects of either rotation or revolution of the earth

(c) With the aid of a suitable diagram describe an eclipse of the sun
 

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None

(a) Identify three types of rural settlements and describe the main characteristics of each

(b) In what four ways are rural and urban settlements interdependent?
 

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None

(a) On an outline map of West Africa, locate and name
(i) two ECOWAS member countries along the coast
(ii) two ECOWAS member countries in the interior
(iii) the capital of each of the countries

(b) Describe six benefits which any one of the countries shown on your map derives from its membership of the ECOWAS 
 

Détails de la réponse

(a)
(i) Two ECOWAS member countries along the coast:
- Ghana
- Cote d'Ivoire
(ii) Two ECOWAS member countries in the interior:
- Burkina Faso
- Mali
(iii) The capital of each of the countries:
- Ghana: Accra
- Cote d'Ivoire: Yamoussoukro (official capital) and Abidjan (economic capital)
- Burkina Faso: Ouagadougou
- Mali: Bamako

(b) Benefits derived from ECOWAS membership:
One of the countries shown on the map is Burkina Faso, and six benefits derived from its membership of ECOWAS are:
1. Increased regional trade: ECOWAS promotes free movement of goods and services among its member states, which has facilitated trade between Burkina Faso and other member countries.
2. Economic development: ECOWAS offers a platform for regional economic cooperation and integration, which has helped to stimulate economic growth in Burkina Faso.
3. Regional peace and security: ECOWAS has played a key role in maintaining peace and stability in West Africa, including Burkina Faso, through its peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution efforts.
4. Improved infrastructure: ECOWAS has initiated and funded various infrastructure development projects in Burkina Faso, such as roads, bridges, and energy projects.
5. Increased investment: ECOWAS membership has created opportunities for Burkina Faso to attract more foreign investment from other member states, which has helped to boost the country's economy.
6. Regional cooperation: ECOWAS provides a platform for Burkina Faso to cooperate with other member states on issues of common interest, such as environmental protection, health, and education. This has helped to promote regional integration and solidarity among member states.

(a) On an outline map of West Africa, show:
(i) one area each in a different country, important for diamond, petroleum and gold
(ii) one important town in each area
(iii) one route from the producing area to the port of export for each mineral

(b) Describe one method of mining any one of the minerals in (a) above

(c) Highlight four problems associated with mining in West Africa 
 

Détails de la réponse

(a)

(i)

• Diamond: The area around the town of Koidu in Sierra Leone
• Petroleum: The Niger Delta region in Nigeria
• Gold: The Ashanti region in Ghana

(ii)

• Koidu: located in the Kono District in Sierra Leone
• Port Harcourt: located in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria
• Obuasi: located in the Ashanti region in Ghana

(iii)

• Diamond: Koidu to the port of Freetown in Sierra Leone
• Petroleum: Port Harcourt to the Bonny Terminal in Nigeria
• Gold: Obuasi to the port of Takoradi in Ghana

(b)

One method of mining gold in the Ashanti region of Ghana is the underground mining method. This involves the sinking of shafts through the ground and the creation of tunnels to reach the gold ore. Miners use drilling equipment to drill holes into the rock, which are then filled with explosives to break up the rock and make it easier to extract the gold. The broken rocks are then loaded onto carts and transported to the surface for processing.

(c)

Four problems associated with mining in West Africa are:

• Environmental degradation: Mining activities can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. This can have a negative impact on the environment, as well as on the health and well-being of local communities.
• Health hazards: Miners are exposed to hazardous working conditions, including toxic chemicals, dust, and noise pollution. This can lead to respiratory problems, hearing loss, and other health issues.
• Conflict: Mining activities can often result in conflict between different groups over access to resources, land rights, and control over the benefits of mining.
• Economic dependence: Many West African countries heavily rely on the revenue generated by mining. This can result in economic dependence on a single resource, leaving the country vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices and other economic shocks.

(a) Describe the characteristics of each of the following rock types
(i) Granite
(ii) Limestone
(iii) Graphite

(b) Explain how each rock type is formed 
 

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None

 (a) Name two main types of environmental pollution and describe three causes of any one of them

(b) State three effects of pollution on man 
 

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None

(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria and on it, locate and name

(i) three major zones of modern manufacturing industries

(ii) two important towns within each zone

(b) Outline any three problems which result from the concentration of manufacturing industries in these zones

(c) Suggest three steps which can be taken to encourage the growth of industries outside these zones. 
 

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None

 Write explanatory notes on any three of the following:

(a) Government's influence on the location of industries in Tropical Africa

(b) Nearness to market as a factor of industrial location in Tropical Africa

(c) The concentration of manufacturing industries n urban centres of developing countries

(d) The predominance of consumer oriented industries in developing countries 
 

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None

(a) What is meant by the term hinterland?

(b) Highlight with specific examples, the importance of sea ports in the economy of Nigeria

(c) State any four problems of port development in Nigeria 
 

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None

(a) On an outline map of Africa, locate and name
(i) longitudes 0° and 20°E and latitudes 4°N and 35°S
(ii) the rivers Zambezi and Volta
(iii) Mount Ruwenzor and the Atlab mountains
(iv) Yaounde and Entebbe
(v) one man-made lake along the River Nile
(vi) the Namib desert

(b) In what four ways are the rivers of Africa important? 
 

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None

(a) On a sketch map of Nigeria locate and name any four vegetation belts

(b) Highlight four ways in which the forest vegetation contributes to the economy of the country

(c) Outline any four problems associated with the exploitation of the forest vegetation. 
 

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None

Write explanatory notes on any four of the following

(a) Cocoa growing in western Nigeria

(b) Oil palm production in the eastern states

(c) Rice cultivation ire the middle belt

(d) Intensive farming in the Kano close-settled zone 
 

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None

Discuss the important features of Koppen's climatic classification
 

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None

Contrast the Sokoto Plains with the Eastern highlands under the following headings

(a) relief and drainage

(b) resources and human activities

(c) problems of development 
 

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None