(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On the map, show and name:
(i) the forest belts
(ii) an important town in each belt
(iii) the Lake Chad
(b) Describe three characteristics of any one of the forest belts shown on the map.
(c) Outline three ways in which the forest belts are of importance to Nigeria.
Explanation
(b) Characteristics of the forest belts;
(i) Mangrove (salt water swamp) forest
— tall woody trees – about 25 metres
— mainly red, white mangrove
—trees have aerial roots
—dense tangles of undergrowth
—trees are evergreen
— trees with broad leaves
(ii) Mangrove (fresh water swamp) forest
— fresh water plants e.g. the raffia palm
—undergrowth is dense
— made of shrubs and lianas more open forest
— hence sunlight could reach the ground
(iii) The High Forest;
— many plant species
— trees are not in pure stands
— trees are tall, about 60 m
— trees have evergreen and broad leaves distinct layer arrangement
— upper, middle and lower layers.
— trees develop buttress roots for support
— presence of little undergrowth due to canopy of the forest.
— presence of climbers, creepers, epiphytes and parasitic plants.
— important trees are iroko, obeche, mahogany, walnut etc.
(c) Importance of the forest to Nigeria;
— firewood for fuel
— wood for construction
— medicinal herbs
— food e.g. nuts, fruits etc.
— wild life conservation
— source of wood for export to earn foreign exchange.