Unit 3: Africa

Boundaries and Topography

100

Name two African major rivers other than the Congo and the Nile river that create major floodplains.

Niger and Zambezi

200

How do the Atlas Mountains impact the Sahara Desert?

The Atlas Mountains create a rainshadow which is part of the cause of the Sahara Desert existence.

300

Name one body of water on each border/boundary of Africa (N, E, S, W).

Boundaries

To the North: Mediterranean sea, Strait of Gibraltar, and Asia (at the Sinai Peninsula by the Suez Canal)

To the South: Atlantic and Indian Oceans

To the East: Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden

To the West: Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea

Climate and Vegetation

100

How are climate and population correlated in Africa?

(Many correct answers)

200

Which two climates have deciduous trees as vegetation?

Humid Sub-tropical and Mediterranian

300

What are four studied factors that impact the climate of Africa?

1. Location:

   1. Equator/Central region -> High Temperatures

   2. North/South fringes -> Temperate climates

2. Terrain: Predominantly plateaus, fewer gulfs and peninsulas.

3. High Mountain Ranges: Block water vapor from sea and causes rain shadows. 

4. Wind Direction: Determines humidity levels, calm winds in central equatorial region leads to arid zones.

5. Tide:  Warm vs Cold water currents

   1. Cold water currents typically cause cooler and dryer conditions.

   2. Warm water currents typically cause temperate climate with high humidity.

Natural Resources and Economy

100

What is Loam soil made of and it is fertile or infertile?

Sand, Silt, and Clay. Fertile.

200

Name three countries and an important natural resource they are known for.

Ex: S. Africa--Gold
Nigeria/Algeria--Oil
Ghana--Cacao

DRC--Cobalt
etc.

300

Name the two types of Agricultural practices and the two types of Animal Husbandry and explain their differences.

• Subsistence farming → Small-scale farming focused on feeding the household or local community. Relies on human and animal labor and traditional techniques.
• Commercial farming → Large-scale farming, often using modern technology and producing cash crops like cocoa, coffee, cotton, sugarcane, and rubber for export.

• Sedentary husbandry → Raising livestock on settled farms (typically using food and dairy processing machinery)

• Nomadic herding → Moving herds seasonally to find fresh grass and water, common among groups like the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania.

Social, Cultural, and Demographic Aspects

100

What are two African languages that have over 100 million speakers?

Common Languages: Swahili (E. Africa, 200 mil), Arabic (N. Africa, ~200 mil), Hausa (W. Africa, ~100 mil)

200

What are the two historical external influences on African societies and cultures discussed in class? Name the religion each influence brought to the continent.

Historical External Influences: 

• Arab influence via trade–introduced Islam and the Arabic language to mainly N. Africa
• European colonization — brought European languages, Christianity, new governance systems, new conflicts. (Later: Post-WWII independence–revival of local traditions, languages, and identities.)

300

What are two common shared values in both modern and traditional African societies?

Shared values often include:

• Community and kinship 🫂

• Harmony with nature 🌿–some more traditional societies hold beliefs such as animism (seeing spiritual presence in nature).

• Spiritual diversity 🙏→ Islam, Christianity, Indigenous belief systems, and more.