What are Africa's five ecosystems?
Africa has a diverse range of ecosystems due to its vast size and varied geography. There are more than five ecosystems across the continent, but the following five are among the most prominent:
1. Tropical Rainforests: Central Africa, particularly the Congo Basin, is home to the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world. This ecosystem hosts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including various species of trees, animals, and insects.
2. Savannas: One of the most iconic African ecosystems, savannas are characterized by mixed grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs. They cover a vast area across the continent, including the Serengeti in East Africa, the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, and the Sahelian savannas in West Africa.
3. Deserts: The Sahara Desert in North Africa is the largest hot desert in the world, covering about 3.6 million square miles. Other significant deserts in Africa include the Namib and Kalahari Deserts in southern Africa.
4. Mediterranean Ecosystems: The Mediterranean ecosystems, also known as Mediterranean scrublands or fynbos, are found in the southwestern tip of South Africa. This biome consists of various shrublands, woodlands, and grasslands, and is known for its unique and diverse plant life.
5. Mountain Ecosystems: Africa has several high mountain ecosystems, including the Ethiopian Highlands, the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, and the East African Rift Valley's volcanic peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. These biomes host distinct flora and fauna due to their elevation and variations in temperature and precipitation.