JAMB UTME - Geography - 2000

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species of plants and animals that exist within an ecosystem. This diversity can be threatened by various factors such as the extinction of plant species, removal of a single animal, introduction of a new plant, or trapping of a single fish. For example, the extinction of plant species may lead to a decline in the food supply of certain animals, ultimately affecting their survival. Similarly, the removal of a single animal may disrupt the balance of predator and prey populations, leading to further changes in the ecosystem. Introduction of a new plant species may compete with the existing plants for resources and eventually dominate, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Trapping a single fish may affect the reproductive potential of the fish population and eventually lead to its decline. Therefore, any activity that disrupts the natural balance of an ecosystem can lead to a reduction in its biodiversity.

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During winter, the Eskimos live in igloos. An igloo is a traditional shelter made of blocks of snow or ice that are stacked in a circular pattern to form a dome-shaped structure. The snow and ice act as excellent insulators, keeping the inside of the igloo relatively warm and protecting the occupants from the cold and wind outside. Igloos are designed to be relatively small and are easy to construct using simple tools, making them a practical and effective shelter for the harsh Arctic winter. While Eskimos may also use other forms of shelter, such as tents or caves, igloos are a well-known and iconic example of traditional Eskimo housing. Therefore, the correct answer is igloos.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The prosperity of Kenya depends upon the cultivation of coffee, maize, and sisal. These crops are important because they contribute significantly to Kenya's economy. Coffee is one of Kenya's top exports and has been a major source of foreign exchange for the country for many years. Maize is a staple food crop in Kenya and is grown by many farmers to feed their families and sell to others. Sisal, on the other hand, is a versatile crop used for making a variety of products such as ropes, twines, and carpets, which are exported to different parts of the world. So, the cultivation of these crops plays a vital role in the economic growth and development of Kenya. By growing and exporting these crops, the country is able to earn foreign exchange, create employment opportunities, and improve the standard of living for its people.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The soft, black, opaque, carbonaceous rock that can be used to make pencils is graphite. Graphite is a form of carbon that is characterized by its slippery texture and ability to conduct electricity. It is commonly used as the "lead" in pencils due to its ability to leave a dark mark when applied to paper. While coal is also a carbonaceous rock, it is not typically used to make pencils due to its different physical properties. Lignite is a type of coal, and lead is a metal that is not commonly used in pencil-making. Therefore, the correct answer is graphite.

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The shaduf method of irrigation was first practiced in ancient Egypt. The shaduf is a simple irrigation tool that consists of a long wooden beam with a bucket or container attached to one end and a counterweight on the other. The beam is balanced on a vertical pole, which allows it to pivot up and down. Farmers would use the shaduf to lift water from a river or canal and pour it into an irrigation ditch or onto their crops. The shaduf was an important innovation in ancient Egypt, as it allowed farmers to irrigate their crops in areas where water was scarce or not readily available. The shaduf was also an improvement over earlier irrigation methods, such as the bucket and chain, as it was more efficient and required less labor. Over time, the shaduf was replaced by more modern irrigation methods, such as pumps and canals, but it remains an important symbol of ancient Egyptian agriculture and engineering.

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The direction of flow of ocean currents is determined mainly by the prevailing winds and the rotation of the earth. The surface ocean currents are driven by the prevailing winds, which are the winds that blow most frequently in a given location. The Coriolis effect, which is caused by the rotation of the Earth, causes these currents to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This means that the direction of the surface ocean currents is influenced by the direction of the prevailing winds and the latitude. However, the direction of the deep ocean currents is influenced by a combination of factors, including the shape of the ocean basins, the temperature and salinity of the water, and the amount of fresh water inflow. Deep ocean currents can also be influenced by the topography of the ocean floor, such as the presence of underwater mountains and ridges. The temperature of the continental interior and the shape of the continents can affect the prevailing winds, which in turn can affect the direction of the ocean currents. However, these factors are not the main drivers of ocean currents.

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The Benguela current is to Namibia what the canaries current is to Mauritania. The Benguela Current is a cold ocean current that flows along the western coast of southern Africa, including Namibia. The Canaries Current, on the other hand, is a cool current that flows along the coast of northwest Africa, including Mauritania. Both of these ocean currents have a significant impact on the climate, weather patterns, and marine life of the regions they pass through. In particular, the Benguela Current brings cold water and nutrients from the deep ocean, which supports a diverse marine ecosystem off the coast of Namibia. The Canaries Current, similarly, brings nutrient-rich water that supports a thriving fishing industry off the coast of Mauritania. Therefore, the correct answer is Mauritania.

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The two prominent highlands at the Nigeria-Cameroun border are Mandara and Alantika. The Mandara Mountains are a volcanic range that runs along the Nigeria-Cameroun border, with the highest peak reaching over 2000 meters. The Alantika Mountains are a subrange of the Mandara Mountains, located on the Nigerian side of the border. These highlands are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species. They also serve as an important water catchment area and have significant cultural and historical value to the people living in the region.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The most obvious physical feature that distinguishes undisturbed mature soil from an immature soil is the layered profile. Undisturbed mature soils have developed over time through natural processes such as weathering, erosion, and the accumulation of organic matter. As a result, they have a distinctive layered structure called a soil profile, which consists of different horizons or layers. These horizons are formed by the accumulation or loss of minerals, organic matter, and other materials over time, and can be distinguished by their color, texture, structure, and other physical properties. The uppermost horizon, known as the topsoil, is often the most fertile and productive layer for plant growth. In contrast, immature soils lack this layered structure and have not yet developed the distinct horizons found in mature soils. This is because immature soils are typically formed from rock or other parent materials that have not yet undergone significant weathering or erosion. Therefore, the most obvious physical feature that distinguishes undisturbed mature soil from an immature soil is the layered profile, which is the result of natural processes that have occurred over a long period of time.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift was Alfred Wegener. Wegener was a German geophysicist who lived in the early 20th century. He noticed that the shapes of the continents on either side of the Atlantic Ocean looked like they could fit together like pieces of a puzzle. He also observed that there were similar rock formations and fossils found on opposite sides of the ocean. From these observations, Wegener hypothesized that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass he called "Pangaea" and over time, they drifted apart to their current positions. This hypothesis later became known as the theory of continental drift. However, Wegener's theory faced significant opposition from the scientific community at the time, as there was no known mechanism for how the continents could move. It was not until decades later, with the discovery of plate tectonics, that Wegener's theory was finally widely accepted as the scientific explanation for the movement of Earth's continents.

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Dairy farming is most notable in Denmark. Denmark is one of the leading countries in dairy farming and is known for producing high-quality dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter. The country has a long tradition of dairy farming, and its mild climate and fertile soil are favorable for dairy cattle farming. Denmark is also home to some of the world's largest dairy companies, such as Arla Foods and Danone. The dairy industry is an important contributor to Denmark's economy, and the country is a major exporter of dairy products to other countries.

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The common mineral to Sokoto, Ewekoro, Calabar, and Nkalagu is limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is made up of calcium carbonate, which is mainly derived from the remains of marine organisms such as shells, corals, and algae. It is a very common rock found all over the world, and it is used for a wide range of purposes, including building materials, cement, and agriculture. The Sokoto, Ewekoro, Calabar, and Nkalagu regions all have large deposits of limestone, which makes it a significant natural resource for these areas.

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In Nigeria, continentality poses the greatest hindrance to economic development in the Chad Basin. Continentality refers to the effect of distance from the ocean on climate and weather patterns. In the case of the Chad Basin, it is located in the northern part of Nigeria and is far from the ocean. As a result, the region experiences a harsh and dry climate with little rainfall. This climate makes it difficult to engage in agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood for most people in the region. The lack of rainfall also makes it difficult to maintain a stable supply of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. Additionally, the harsh climate of the Chad Basin makes transportation and communication difficult, which hinders economic development. The lack of adequate infrastructure in the region further compounds these challenges. Therefore, the continentality of the Chad Basin is a major hindrance to economic development in Nigeria.

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The set that enhances the nucleation of rural settlements is fertile broad plains and natural harbors. Fertile broad plains provide good soil for agriculture and can support a large population of farmers. Natural harbors, on the other hand, provide a sheltered area for boats and ships to dock, which is important for fishing and transportation. When these two factors are combined, they create an ideal environment for settlement and economic development. The fertile land provides a source of food and income through agriculture, while the natural harbor provides a means of transportation and trade. Additionally, settlements in such areas are often nucleated, meaning that they are clustered together rather than dispersed across the landscape. This is because the fertile land and natural harbor create a concentration of resources and economic activity, which attracts people to settle in the same area. Therefore, the combination of fertile broad plains and natural harbors enhances the nucleation of rural settlements by providing resources and economic opportunities that attract people to settle in a concentrated area.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The most dreaded pest in the Cotton Belt of the U.S.A is the boll weevil. The boll weevil is a small beetle that feeds on cotton buds and flowers, causing damage to the plant and reducing its yield. It is considered a major pest of cotton crops and has caused significant economic losses to cotton growers in the Southern United States. The boll weevil first arrived in the United States in the late 1800s and quickly spread throughout the Cotton Belt, leading to a series of devastating outbreaks. In response, farmers and researchers developed various methods to control the boll weevil, including the use of insecticides and cultural practices such as crop rotation and early planting. While the boll weevil is still present in some areas of the Cotton Belt, its impact has been significantly reduced by these control measures.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

An area of the world that is likely to have 24-hour sunshine on July 15 of any year is the Northern polar area. This area, also known as the Arctic, is located at the North Pole and includes parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and other countries. During the summer solstice, which occurs around June 20-21 in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted towards the sun. This means that the sun remains above the horizon for a full 24 hours at the North Pole, creating the phenomenon of the "midnight sun." As a result, the Northern polar area experiences continuous daylight for several weeks around the summer solstice, including on July 15. This period of 24-hour daylight is a unique and fascinating aspect of life in the Arctic.

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Johannesburg, Jos, and Galhivare are similar in that they all grew because of the presence of minerals. Johannesburg is known for its gold mines, while Jos is a city in Nigeria that is rich in tin and other minerals. Galhivare is a mining town in India that is known for its coal deposits. The presence of minerals in these regions has been a significant factor in their economic growth and development, as it has led to the establishment of mining operations and the influx of workers and businesses. While Johannesburg, Jos, and Galhivare may also act as nodal towns or commercial centers and have populations of over a million, the most significant factor that ties these cities together is their history and dependence on mineral resources. Therefore, the correct answer is that they all grew because of the presence of minerals.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Where winds are onshore, warm ocean currents will bring a type of condition to the coastland that is warm and wet. When winds blow from the ocean towards the land (onshore winds), they bring with them the moisture and warmth of the ocean. If these winds pass over a warm ocean current, they will carry warm and humid air towards the coastland. This warm and moist air will then rise, cool and condense, causing clouds and precipitation. The opposite happens with offshore winds, which blow from the land towards the ocean. In this case, the winds are dry because they originate from the land, which has less moisture than the ocean. As a result, areas along the coastland that experience onshore winds and warm ocean currents will generally have a warm and wet climate.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The dominant trees of the Guinea Savannah in Nigeria are isoberlinia, shea butter, and silk cotton. These trees are well adapted to the dry conditions of the region and are commonly found in the area. Isoberlinia is a type of hardwood tree that provides valuable timber, while shea butter is known for its oil-rich nuts that are used in the production of cosmetics and food products. Silk cotton is a large deciduous tree with fluffy seeds that are dispersed by the wind. These three tree species play an important role in the ecology and economy of the Guinea Savannah region in Nigeria.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

Manufacturing in West Africa is characterized by industries that primarily produce for the domestic market. This means that the products they make are consumed by people within the region, rather than being exported to other countries. Additionally, these industries tend to be relatively small-scale and labor-intensive, rather than capital-intensive. Overall, the manufacturing sector in West Africa is still developing, and faces a number of challenges including limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, and competition from cheaper imports.

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Air masses are large bodies of air with distinct temperature and moisture characteristics. In Nigeria, the two most important air masses that influence the country's climate are the tropical maritime and the tropical continental air masses. The tropical maritime air mass originates from the warm, moist and humid regions over the Atlantic Ocean, while the tropical continental air mass originates from the hot, dry and dusty regions of the Sahara Desert. When these two air masses converge over Nigeria, they create a distinct climate pattern, characterized by two distinct seasons - the wet and the dry seasons. During the wet season, the tropical maritime air mass dominates, bringing moisture and rainfall to the country. During the dry season, the tropical continental air mass dominates, leading to a hot and dry climate. Understanding the characteristics and movements of these air masses is crucial in predicting and managing Nigeria's climate and weather patterns.

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One predominantly temperate grain that is being cultivated in some tropical areas today is wheat. Wheat is a cereal crop that is typically grown in temperate regions with moderate temperatures and well-distributed rainfall. However, with advances in agricultural technology and plant breeding, it has become possible to grow wheat in some tropical areas where conditions may not be ideal. This has opened up new opportunities for wheat cultivation in regions where other crops may not perform as well. Growing wheat in tropical areas can help to diversify crop production and provide food security for local populations. However, it is important to note that successful wheat cultivation in tropical areas requires careful management of soil fertility, water resources, and pest and disease control.

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Acid lava is rich in silica. Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a compound that is abundant in the Earth's crust and is a major component of many types of lava. When lava is rich in silica, it is referred to as "acidic" because it has a high viscosity or thickness, and it tends to solidify quickly. This type of lava often erupts explosively and can produce volcanic ash and debris. Acidic lava is also associated with the formation of steep-sided volcanoes, such as those found in the Andes Mountains in South America. In contrast, lava that is low in silica is referred to as "basic" or "mafic," and it is often less viscous and less explosive than acidic lava.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The environmental hazard which occurs slowly and unnoticed in the oil-producing region of the Niger Delta of Nigeria is pollution. Due to the oil exploration and production activities in the region, oil spills, gas flaring, and other forms of environmental pollution have become common, leading to air, land, and water pollution. This pollution poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the people and animals living in the area, and it also negatively impacts agriculture and fishing, which are the main sources of livelihood for many communities in the region. The pollution is often slow and unnoticed, as it accumulates gradually over time, and its effects may not be immediately obvious, but it can have devastating long-term consequences.

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The vegetation that is characterized by tall trees, climbing plants, and creepers in the Amazon is called selvas. Selvas, also known as tropical rainforests, are dense forests that cover much of the Amazon basin in South America. The climate in this region is warm and wet, which allows for a high level of biodiversity and supports the growth of tall trees. The trees in the selvas are often so tall that they form a canopy, blocking much of the sunlight from reaching the forest floor. This creates a unique environment where many plants and animals have adapted to live in the shade. Climbing plants and creepers are common in the selvas, as they use the tall trees as support to reach the sunlight at the top of the canopy. The selvas are an important ecosystem that provides many ecological services, such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and habitat for a wide variety of species.

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The medium class of layered cloud that brings continuous rain, snow or sleet is called a nimbostratus cloud. Nimbostratus clouds are dark, gray clouds that form a thick, uniform layer and are usually found at middle altitudes. They are often associated with steady, light to moderate precipitation, which can last for many hours. This precipitation can take the form of rain, snow, or sleet, depending on the temperature. Unlike other cloud types, nimbostratus clouds have a "nimb-" prefix, which indicates that they are capable of producing precipitation.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

An important mineral deposit in South Africa that has attracted a large number of white settlers is gold in Witwatersrand. The Witwatersrand Basin is a region in South Africa known for its abundance of gold deposits. The discovery of gold in this area in the late 1800s sparked a gold rush and led to the establishment of Johannesburg, which quickly grew into one of the largest cities in South Africa. The lure of wealth and the opportunity to mine gold attracted many white settlers to the area, which ultimately contributed to the racial and social tensions that would come to define South African history. While South Africa is also known for other mineral deposits, such as iron in Durban, copper in Cape Town, and aluminum in other regions, gold in Witwatersrand is the most significant mineral deposit associated with white settlement in the country. Therefore, the correct answer is gold in Witwatersrand.

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The most common tree in the desert is the acacia tree. Acacia trees are well-adapted to arid environments and can survive in harsh desert conditions. They have evolved to conserve water by reducing leaf surface area and developing long tap roots that can reach deep water sources. Acacia trees also have thorns and other physical adaptations that protect them from being eaten by desert animals. In addition, they have symbiotic relationships with certain bacteria that help them fix nitrogen from the air, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Because of their ability to thrive in the desert, acacia trees are often used for reforestation and soil conservation efforts in arid regions. They also provide important habitat and food sources for desert wildlife, making them a critical component of desert ecosystems. Therefore, the acacia tree is the most common tree in the desert due to its unique adaptations that enable it to survive and thrive in arid environments.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The speed of the wind is usually measured by an instrument called an anemometer. An anemometer is a device that consists of several cups mounted on a spindle that spins when the wind blows. The speed at which the cups spin is proportional to the speed of the wind. The anemometer then records this speed and provides a measurement of the wind speed, which can be expressed in miles per hour, kilometers per hour, or meters per second.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Roads and settlements are restricted in the area because of the steep hill slopes. Steep hill slopes make it difficult to construct roads and buildings, as the terrain is challenging to navigate and the ground may be unstable. Building on steep slopes also increases the risk of landslides and erosion, which can damage infrastructure and cause safety hazards. In addition, steep hill slopes often require more expensive and complicated engineering solutions, such as retaining walls and bridges, to support roads and buildings. These factors make it difficult and costly to develop settlements and infrastructure in areas with steep hill slopes. Therefore, the presence of steep hill slopes poses a significant challenge to urban and rural development, and often restricts the expansion of settlements and the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

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The least important factor to be considered in the location of industries is climate. While climate can certainly impact certain industries, such as agriculture or tourism, it is generally not a primary concern for most manufacturing or service-oriented businesses. Raw materials, transport, and markets are typically more critical factors to consider when choosing a location for an industry. Raw materials are necessary for production, and their availability and cost can significantly impact an industry's success. Transport infrastructure is crucial for moving goods and people in and out of the area, and proximity to markets is essential for selling products and accessing customers. Therefore, while climate can be a factor in some industries, it is generally considered the least important when compared to raw materials, transport, and markets.

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Exfoliation and rock disintegration are weathering processes that are mainly found in desert regions. Exfoliation is a process in which layers of rock gradually peel away from the surface of a rock formation due to changes in temperature. During the day, the rock surface can get very hot, expanding and contracting as temperatures change. At night, temperatures can drop rapidly, causing the rock to contract. Over time, this expansion and contraction can cause the outer layers of rock to break off. Rock disintegration is a process in which rocks break apart due to a variety of factors, including temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical weathering. In desert regions, the combination of high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night, along with the lack of vegetation to hold the soil and rocks together, can make rock disintegration a particularly prominent weathering process. In contrast, tundra regions have very cold temperatures that can cause frost weathering, which breaks apart rocks due to the expansion of water when it freezes. Savannah and Mediterranean regions have more vegetation cover, which can help hold soil and rocks together, reducing the prevalence of exfoliation and rock disintegration.

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