(a) Describe three characteristics of forest vegetation (b) Outline three ways in which vegetation is important as an environmental resource (c) Highlight two problems that may arise from over-utilization of vegetation resources
Explanation
(a) CHARACTERISTICS OF FOREST VEGETATION (i) Tree, with buttress roots. (ii) Three layers and canopy. (iii) Broad leaves. (iv) varied species. (v) Trees not in pure stand. (vi) Presence of creepers, climbers, epiphytes, lianas. (vii) Generally evergreen. (viii) Little undergrowth. (ix) Aerial roots. (b) IMPORTANCE OF VEGETATION RESOURCES:- (i) Source of timber. (ii) Source cf firewood. (iii) Source of food. (iv) Prevention of erosion. (v) Leaves for wrapping. (vi) Raw materials for industries. (vii) Tourism and research purposes. (viii) Medicinal herbs (ix) Wildlife. (c) PROBLEMS OF OVER-UTILIZATION (i) Prevents the existence of wildlife. (ii) Imbalance in the ecosystem. (iii) Leads to deterioration of the environment (iv) Extinction of certain species of plants and animals. (v) Destruction of hydrological cycle. (vi) Expose land surface to erosion. (vii) Lower the nutrient in the soil. (viii) Decrease transpiration.