West/Central Africa

West Africa/Central Africa Geography Review

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PHYSICAL FEATURES OF WEST AFRICA

Type the sentence that describes the importance of the Niger River to the region.

The main physical features in West Africa are plains and rivers. Most of the region’s cities are on the plains along the coast. People on inland plains usually farm or raise animals. The Niger River is the most important river in the region. It provides water for farming, fishing, and transportation.

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The Sahel, south of the Sahara, has a steppe climate where enough plants grow to support some grazing animals. Overgrazing and cutting trees for firewood have caused desertification.

According to the reading, what are two causes of desertification?

Multiple Choice

1. _______________________ in the Sahel is causing the expansion of the Sahara. (Deforestation/Desertification)

• Deforestation

• Desertification

Multiple Choice

The _______________________ brings life-giving water to West Africa. (Niger River/Zambezi River)

• Niger River

• Zambezi

Multiple Choice

Victoria Falls is on the _______________________. (Niger River/Zambezi River)

• Niger River

• Zambezi River

Multiple Choice

The Congo River drains the _______________________. (Congo Basin/Sahel)

• Congo Basin

• Sahel

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CLIMATE, VEGETATION, AND ANIMALS

Name four animals that make their home in the tropical rain forest.

The Congo Basin and much of the Atlantic coast have a humid tropical climate. The dense tropical forests that grow in this climate are home to gorillas, elephants, wild boars, and okapis. Since little sunlight shines through the canopy, only a few animals live on the forest floor. Birds, monkeys, bats, and snakes live in the trees. Areas north and south of the Congo Basin have a tropical savanna climate. The mountains in the east have a highland climate. The southern part of the region has dry steppe and desert climates.