Biomes of Africa - Essay Example

Biomes of Africa
Africa is one of the most indigenous, sophisticated, and compact continents that has significant natural systems which influence socioeconomic practices. It is strategically located and unlike other continents, has inherent stability. Africa exhibits a range of climates that are fundamental to the determination of major environmental systems. The equator is a determinant factor for the climatic characterization whereby it divides the content into the northern and southern regions. Each of the areas has a unique weather pattern recorded over time in the determination of the prevailing climatic systems. Additionally, natural features such as mountains, seas, and lakes also play a fundamental role in climatic patterns. The elements influence rainfall, wind patterns, and the occurrence of major natural seasons. In Africa, the tropical rainforest, savanna, chaparral, and desert remain the most significant biomes that are widely spread across the continent.
1. The tropical rainforest biome
The rainforest biome covers the Eastern, Central, and Major parts of West Africa. The regions experience overwhelming amounts of rainfall which hinders agriculture. Approximately 2.2 square miles of the African region experience this climate (Conway 436). The environment has tall evergreen trees and versatile species of plants and living organisms. Besides, the environment is exceptionally humid which limits human settlement. The temperatures remain constant during the major part of the year which leads to the lack of seasonal difference. Therefore, the tropical rainforest climate inhibits socio-economic activities as it receives an overwhelming amount of rainfall and steady very low temperatures.
2. The savanna biome
The Savanna biome is widely spread in South Africa. It is found on the edges of the equator or between the desert and tropical rainforest climates. The vegetation is majorly grasslands which easily thrive due to insufficient rainfall. Temperatures remain warm all through the year with winter and summer seasons extremely pronounced. The rains fall during summer, and on most occasions, it is during the afternoon. The Savanna biome is highly unstable and can quickly turn into a desert especially when livestock owners overgraze. Therefore, the Savanna climate, mostly found in South Africa is characterized by grassland cover, limited rain, and extreme temperatures.
3. The desert biome
The desert biome occupies a significant part of Africa spreading from the northern to Southern regions. The conditions are extreme with high temperatures during the day and night and low amounts of rainfall annually. Vegetation cover is insignificant, and the ground is bare with dunes occupying a more considerable part of the area. At least a third of Africa is desert land. The Sahara Desert, which is the largest one in Africa, occupies the northern region whereas the Kalahari is widespread in South Africa. The desert biome is a hostile environment that inhibits the growth of vegetation thus it is unfavorable for human settlement.
4. The Chaparral biome
The Chaparral biome exhibits a range of climatic characteristics. It can be described as a desert that receives a higher amount of rainfall than a typical desert. Moreover, there is the presence of rainforests and grassland cover. In Africa, it is found in the Cape Town and Mediterranean regions. Thus, the chaparral biome exhibits complex characteristics which make it habitable.
Analyzing the four major biomes affirms that Africa is indeed a complex continent that exhibits different climatic patterns. The Savanna grassland is habitable but currently being depleted due to human activities such as overgrazing. Moreover, the tropical rainforest and desert climates are the most widespread. Each of the four biomes inhabits a large population of living organisms. The Chaparral biome is limited to a few regions in the continent. Despite the complexity, it is clear that the climatic conditions determine each region's socio-economic practices. Notably, the four are widespread permitting an environment that is extremely hard to study. Read More