(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, tropical continental climate and desert climate; (iv) one major town in each climatic belt. (b) Explain any four ways in which the tropical continental climate affects the vegetation in the area.
Explanation
(b) Influence of tropical continental climate on vegetation. (i) Seasonality of rainfall gives rise to deciduous trees. (ii) Low rainfall gives rise to grass-land. (iii) Trees develop several adaptive ways to survive the long dry season such as long taproots. (iv) There are small leaves to reduce transpiration and thick barks to reduce transportation. (v) Length of rainy season determines luxuriance in vegetation growth. (vi) Height of trees and grasses decreases as rainfall amount reduces.
