IDC 3O1 – Africa: A Continent of Geographic Diversity (Handout)
Africa is a huge continent. It makes up 20 percent of the world’s total land mass.
There are many distinct regions in Africa. The climate of each one is influenced by its
distance from the sea, wind direction, ocean temperature, and elevation. As a result,
the African environment includes snow-capped mountains, tropical rainforests, grassy
savannahs, and windswept deserts. The diversity of the continents physical geography
has played a huge role in shaping the history of Africa and its people. Using your text
(pages 13-17) and the internet, complete the following organizer.
Geographic Region
The Mountain
Highlands
The Equatorial
Rainforest
The Savannah
Grasslands
Description
The Desert
The Rivers
The Wildlife
1. How would the way of life of people in the Equatorial
Rainforest differ from that of people in the Savannah?
Explain your response.
2. Which of the environments do you think would be the most
challenging to live? Give reasons for your ideas.