WAEC SSCE - Geography - 1998

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Temperate grasslands, also known as prairies or steppes, are generally important for animal grazing. These vast areas of open grasslands are well-suited for grazing animals such as bison, deer, and antelope, as well as domesticated animals like cattle and sheep. The grasses found in temperate grasslands are typically nutrient-rich and able to support large numbers of grazing animals. In addition, the grasses are adapted to withstand the dry conditions and occasional fires that are common in these regions. The grazing of animals in temperate grasslands has a number of important benefits. First, it provides a source of food for both wild and domesticated animals, which is important for maintaining healthy populations. Second, it can help to maintain the grasslands themselves, by preventing the buildup of dead plant material and promoting the growth of new grasses. Finally, the grazing of animals can also be an important economic activity, providing income for farmers and ranchers who raise livestock on these lands.

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The figure 1 is a pie chart. A pie chart is a circular statistical graph that is divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportion. Each slice represents a proportionate part of the whole, and the total of all slices should add up to 100%. In figure 1, each slice represents a percentage or proportion of the whole, making it a pie chart.

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The savanna lands of East Africa are best known for their wildlife. These vast grasslands are home to a diverse array of animal species such as lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and many more. Tourists from all over the world visit East Africa to experience the natural beauty of the savanna and to see the wildlife in their natural habitat. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania are some of the most popular tourist destinations in East Africa due to their abundant wildlife. The savanna lands also provide grazing areas for cattle and other domestic animals, which are important to the local economy.

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One danger about the present rate of increase in world population is an acute food shortage. As the population increases, the demand for food also increases, and if the supply of food does not increase at a corresponding rate, it could lead to a shortage of food. This could result in malnutrition and starvation, especially in developing countries where the majority of the population live below the poverty line. The increase in world population also puts pressure on the available land for agriculture, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. Therefore, it is essential to control the rate of population growth to ensure that there is enough food to go around, and that the environment is not further degraded.

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The vegetation belt associated with valuable hard wood is the tropical rainforest. The tropical rainforest is characterized by dense vegetation, high rainfall, and high humidity. This biome has a great diversity of species, including many types of hardwood trees that are highly valued for their strength, durability, and beauty. Some examples of valuable hardwoods found in tropical rainforests include teak, mahogany, and rosewood. Due to deforestation and other factors, many tropical rainforests are under threat, and efforts are being made to protect these valuable ecosystems.

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From the given figure 1, we can see that the crude oil export is represented by the blue-colored bar. To calculate the percentage of the world export commodities represented by crude oil, we need to find the total export value of all the commodities and then find the proportion of the export value represented by crude oil. The total export value of all commodities is the sum of the values of all the bars in the graph. Adding up the values of all the bars, we get: 20.8 + 18.7 + 11.2 + 7.8 + 6.3 + 5.3 + 3.3 + 2.6 + 2.3 + 1.7 = 80.0 Therefore, the total export value of all commodities is 80.0. Now, to find the percentage of the world export commodities represented by crude oil, we need to divide the value of crude oil export (18.7) by the total export value of all commodities (80.0) and then multiply the result by 100. Percentage of crude oil export = (18.7/80.0) x 100 = 23.375 Therefore, the percentage of the world export commodities represented by crude oil is approximately 23.4%. The closest option is 23.74%, which is the correct answer.

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Trade among West African countries is less developed mainly because they were ruled by different colonial powers, which created a barrier to communication. The arbitrary borders created by European colonizers divided ethnic groups and disrupted traditional trade routes. This has made it difficult for countries to communicate and develop trade relations with each other. Additionally, some of the countries have different languages, currencies, and legal systems, which further complicates trade. The lack of infrastructure, such as international railway lines, also makes it difficult to transport goods across borders. Although the other options may have some impact, the historical and structural barriers created by colonialism have had the most significant impact on hindering trade development among West African countries.

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The mode of transportation in Nigeria that is limited by weather is air transportation. This is because airplanes rely heavily on clear weather to operate safely. When there is bad weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, fog, or strong winds, it can be difficult or even impossible for planes to take off, land, or fly safely. As a result, flights may be delayed, diverted or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Therefore, air transportation is the mode of transportation in Nigeria that is most affected by adverse weather conditions.

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Among the options provided, "Lack of goods to carry along the routes" does not explain the poor development of inland waterways in Africa. The development of inland waterways in Africa has been hindered by several factors. These include the presence of rapids and waterfalls, obstruction by floating vegetation, high seasonality of the rivers, and crossing of many political boundaries by the rivers. Rapids and waterfalls make it difficult to navigate through the rivers, which can limit transportation and trade along the waterways. Floating vegetation can also obstruct the waterways, making them impassable for boats and ships. The high seasonality of the rivers can also hinder the development of inland waterways. Some rivers in Africa are dry for most of the year, making them unsuitable for navigation and transportation. Crossing many political boundaries by the rivers can also hinder the development of inland waterways in Africa. Different countries may have different regulations, making it difficult to develop and maintain a continuous waterway that crosses multiple borders. In summary, the poor development of inland waterways in Africa is due to several factors, including rapids, waterfalls, floating vegetation, seasonality, and political boundaries. However, the lack of goods to carry along the routes is not a direct cause of poor development of inland waterways.

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Air transportation has a low patronage because it is costly. Air travel is generally more expensive than other forms of transportation such as road or rail. This is because the cost of operating and maintaining aircraft is high, and these costs are often passed on to passengers in the form of high ticket prices. As a result, many people cannot afford to travel by air, and air transportation tends to be used mainly by people who can afford it, such as business travelers or wealthy individuals. This limits the overall demand for air travel and contributes to its relatively low patronage compared to other forms of transportation.

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Irrigation farming is highly practiced in Northern Nigeria because of inadequate rainfall and the presence of many rivers. Northern Nigeria is located in the Sahel region, which is characterized by low and erratic rainfall. Irrigation is a method of watering crops artificially by diverting water from rivers, lakes, or underground sources to the fields. The presence of many rivers such as River Niger, River Benue, and their tributaries provides a reliable source of water for irrigation farming. Additionally, irrigation allows farmers to grow crops throughout the year, regardless of the season. Therefore, the correct answer is option (C) inadequate rainfall and presence of many rivers.

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The settlement type that is strongly associated with tourism is the holiday resort. A holiday resort is a place where people go for leisure activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing. Resorts are usually located in scenic areas with natural attractions such as beaches, mountains, or wildlife reserves. They often have amenities such as restaurants, hotels, and recreational facilities like spas or golf courses. Tourists are attracted to holiday resorts because of the opportunity to relax, enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and engage in leisure activities. Therefore, the correct option is (D) Holiday resort.

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Currently, most manufacturing industries in Nigeria produce consumer goods. These include food and beverages, textiles and clothing, household items, and pharmaceuticals. However, some industries also produce capital goods such as machinery and equipment. While some Nigerian manufacturing companies export their products to other countries, it is not true that large quantities of their products are exported. Nigeria has a significant trade deficit, meaning that the country imports more than it exports. Many Nigerian manufacturing industries rely heavily on imported raw materials due to inadequate local production. This has been a significant challenge to the growth of the sector. However, there are efforts by the government and private sector to promote local sourcing of raw materials. Most Nigerian manufacturing industries were established after the colonial era, with a significant number being set up in the 1970s and 1980s. They are mainly located in the southern and southwestern regions of the country, with some in the northern and eastern regions as well. In conclusion, the correct option is (a) most of them produce consumer goods.

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The greatest problem in the use of solar energy is its unreliability from day to day and season to season. Solar panels only generate electricity when exposed to sunlight, which means that energy production varies depending on factors such as weather conditions, time of day, and location. Cloudy or rainy days, as well as winter months with shorter daylight hours, can significantly reduce the amount of energy generated by solar panels. This unpredictability makes it difficult to rely solely on solar energy as a primary source of power. To address this issue, solar power systems often include backup power sources, such as batteries or generators, which add to the overall cost of installation and maintenance. Nonetheless, with advances in technology and the increasing demand for renewable energy, solar energy is becoming more efficient and cost-effective over time.

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The data shown in Figure 1 can be represented in various ways, but the most appropriate ways are a proportional circle or a chloropleth map. A proportional circle graph shows the data as circles with areas proportional to the values they represent. In this case, each circle would represent a country or group of countries and the size of the circle would represent the percentage of the world export commodity they contribute. This type of graph is effective for comparing the contributions of different countries or regions. On the other hand, a chloropleth map shows the data using color-coded regions or countries. Each region is shaded according to the value of the data it represents. In this case, the map would show different shades of color to represent the percentage of the world export commodity contributed by each country or group of countries. Chloropleth maps are useful for displaying data that vary by geographic location.

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Coal and mineral oil are usually found embedded in sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of sediment and organic matter over time, which is then compacted and cemented together. Coal is formed from the remains of plants that were buried in sedimentary basins and subjected to high pressure and heat over millions of years. Mineral oil, also known as petroleum, is formed from the remains of microscopic marine plants and animals that were buried in sedimentary basins and subjected to high pressure and heat over millions of years. Sedimentary rocks are the most common type of rock on the Earth's surface, and they contain a wide variety of minerals, fossils, and other organic matter. They are typically composed of layers or strata, with each layer representing a different period of deposition or environmental conditions. Coal and mineral oil are found in specific types of sedimentary rocks, such as shale and sandstone, which have the necessary characteristics to trap and preserve organic matter. Therefore, coal and mineral oil are usually found embedded in sedimentary rocks, which are formed by the accumulation of sediment and organic matter over time.

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Famine is a severe shortage of food in a region, leading to widespread hunger, malnutrition, and death. In Africa, several factors contribute to the occurrence of famine. However, one of the options listed above does not cause famine, and that is unstable prices paid to farmers for their products. Unreliable rainfall is a significant cause of famine in Africa. Many African countries rely on rain-fed agriculture, and erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change or natural variability can lead to crop failures, reduced yields, and food shortages. Civil strife and unrest can also cause famine by disrupting agriculture, trade, and food distribution systems. Conflict can lead to the displacement of people, destruction of crops, and disruption of markets, making it difficult for people to access food. Ravages of crops by pests can cause famine by destroying crops and reducing yields. Insect pests and diseases can lead to significant crop losses, leaving farmers with little or no harvest to sell or consume. Infertile soil and soil erosion can also contribute to famine by reducing agricultural productivity. Poor soil quality and soil erosion can lead to reduced crop yields, leaving farmers with less food to sell or consume. In conclusion, while all the options listed above can contribute to food insecurity, unstable prices paid to farmers for their products is not a direct cause of famine. Nonetheless, achieving stable prices can help to promote food security and support the livelihoods of farmers.

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A rural settlement is a settlement classified by its function. A settlement is a place where people live and carry out various activities, such as farming, trading, or manufacturing. The function of a settlement refers to the main economic activity that takes place within it. In the case of rural settlements, the main economic activity is usually agriculture, which includes activities such as farming, animal husbandry, and fishing. Rural settlements are typically located in rural areas, away from large urban centers. In contrast, urban settlements are classified by their function as well, but their main economic activities are usually trade, commerce, and manufacturing. Urban settlements are typically located in urban areas, where there is a higher concentration of people, infrastructure, and economic activities. Therefore, the main classification of a rural settlement is by its function, which is agriculture, while the main classification of an urban settlement is by its function, which is trade, commerce, and manufacturing.

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The southernmost latitude in Africa is approximately 34°S. This is the latitude of Cape Agulhas, which is located at the southernmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Cape Agulhas is located in South Africa, and it is considered to be the southernmost point of the African continent. Therefore, the correct answer is option (C) 350S.

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One important consequence of Nigeria's location between latitudes 40 and 140 north of the Equator is that she enjoys a hot, wet, tropical climate. The sun's rays are more direct in the tropical region, which makes the temperature high. The hot temperature, combined with high humidity, leads to the formation of clouds that result in heavy rainfall. Therefore, Nigeria's location in the tropical region makes it have a climate that is hot and wet with a lot of rainfall. This climate is good for the growth of vegetation, which makes Nigeria have a luxuriant vegetation cover.

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 (a)

The Earth is an oblate spheroid. This means it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator due to its rotation.

(b)

(i) sunrise and sunset: The earth rotates from west to east which means t places in the east see the sun before places in the west. If the earth was that flat, all places would see the sun the same time. 

(ii) A Ship's Visibility: The diagram below illustrates how an observer can see only one of the two ships. This observation supports the Earth's curvature: as a ship sails away from shore, it gradually disappears from view starting from the bottom up. If the Earth were flat, the entire ship would vanish simultaneously.

(iii) Eclipse of the Moon: During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts a shadow on the Moon that is always round, a phenomenon that is consistent with a spherical shape, as only a sphere can cast a circular shadow regardless of its orientation relative to the light source. If the Earth were flat, the shadow would have a different shape depending on the angle of the light.

(iv) Circumnavigation of Earth; The Earth has been circumnavigated several times by land, sea, and air, a feat that supports the concept of a spherical shape, as it involves traveling all the way around the Earth and returning to the starting point, a journey completed by numerous explorers and modern aircraft.