Africa Ch. 1/2 Test

The Nile, the Congo, the Zambezi, and the Niger are names of rivers. Rivers are bodies of water that flow in a channel and are usually freshwater. These specific rivers are well-known in Africa and are important waterways in the region.

Africa's location near the Equator, its elevation, and its relationship to large bodies of water and landforms all play a significant role in shaping its climate. The proximity to the Equator means that Africa receives direct sunlight, resulting in higher temperatures. The continent's elevation and the presence of mountains influence rainfall patterns and create diverse climates, ranging from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. Additionally, the presence of large bodies of water, such as the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, can moderate temperatures and contribute to the formation of weather systems. Therefore, Africa's climate is heavily influenced by its geographical features.

The statement "Africa's tallest mountain is NOT Mt. Kilimanjaro" is false. Mt. Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is indeed the tallest mountain in Africa. It stands at a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.

The term "literate" refers to someone who is able to read and write. In the given context, the other words such as "plantation," "colonize," and "city-state" do not directly relate to the ability to read and write. Therefore, the correct answer is "literate."

The correct answer is East Africa. East Africa is one of the four regions of Africa, along with North, Central + Southern, and West Africa. It includes countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. This region is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Serengeti National Park. East Africa is also home to a rich cultural heritage and is known for its vibrant music, art, and cuisine.

During World War II, Africa witnessed significant changes that inspired Africans to demand their independence and freedom. The war exposed Africans to ideas of democracy, equality, and self-determination, which fueled their aspirations for independence from colonial rule. Additionally, African soldiers who fought alongside Allied forces gained military training, exposure to different cultures, and a sense of empowerment, which further motivated them to fight for their rights. The war also weakened European powers, making it easier for African nationalist movements to gain momentum and ultimately achieve independence in the post-war era.

Colonize refers to the act of settling in and establishing control over an area, including its government. It involves the process of establishing a colony, typically by a more powerful or dominant group. This can involve the migration of people, the imposition of governance systems, and the exploitation of resources in the colonized area. Therefore, colonize is the correct answer as it accurately describes the action of settling an area and taking over its government.

A plateau is a common landform in Africa. It is a flat or gently sloping elevated area of land that is larger in extent than a hill. Plateaus are found in various regions across Africa, such as the Ethiopian Highlands, the Great Rift Valley, and the African Plateau. These landforms are important in Africa as they provide fertile soil for agriculture and are often home to diverse ecosystems. Additionally, plateaus often serve as water catchment areas, supplying rivers and streams with water, which is crucial for supporting wildlife and human populations.

The correct answer is elevation. Mt. Kilimanjaro's peak is snow-covered all year long because of its high elevation. As the altitude increases, the temperature drops, and the air becomes cooler. This allows the snow to accumulate and remain on the peak, despite its proximity to the Equator. The higher elevation creates a colder climate, which is conducive to the presence of snow. The other factors mentioned, such as climate, nearness to water, and the Equator, do not directly affect the snow cover on the mountain peak.

Ships cannot sail from Africa's interior to the sea because waterfalls or rapids interrupt the flow of rivers. These natural obstacles create strong currents and turbulence in the water, making it unsafe and impractical for ships to navigate through.

Africa is known as the "Plateau continent" because a significant portion of its landmass is elevated. Plateaus are flat, elevated areas of land, and Africa has several extensive plateaus, such as the Ethiopian Plateau, the Angolan Plateau, and the South African Plateau. These plateaus contribute to Africa's overall topography and give the continent its characteristic raised land appearance. Therefore, the statement that Africa is called the "Plateau continent" because most of the continent is raised land is true.

Childhood diseases are the main reason for the low life expectancy in Africa. This is because many children in Africa suffer from preventable and treatable diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. These diseases are particularly deadly for children due to factors like limited access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and poor sanitation. The high prevalence of childhood diseases significantly contributes to the low life expectancy in Africa.

A religious journey is commonly referred to as a pilgrimage, where individuals travel to sacred places or shrines to fulfill their spiritual beliefs and seek divine blessings. This term is widely recognized and used to describe such religious journeys across different cultures and religions. Therefore, the statement "A religious journey is called a pilgrimage" is true.

Europeans built empires in Africa after the end of the African slave trade primarily for the natural resources. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers sought to exploit Africa's abundant resources such as rubber, diamonds, gold, and various minerals. They established colonies and controlled territories in order to gain access to these valuable resources, which would fuel their industrialization and economic growth. This period, known as the Scramble for Africa, was driven by the desire for economic dominance and resource extraction rather than any intentions to redesign African borders, unite the African people, or alleviate overcrowding in Europe.

Most of Africa's workers are employed in farming. This is because agriculture is a crucial sector in Africa's economy, accounting for a significant portion of the continent's GDP and employment. The majority of African countries have favorable climates and fertile land, making farming a viable and sustainable livelihood option for many people. Additionally, farming plays a vital role in providing food security and reducing poverty in rural areas. Therefore, it is not surprising that farming is the primary source of employment for most workers in Africa.

The earliest humans in Africa got their food by hunting and gathering. This means they relied on hunting animals and gathering fruits, nuts, and other edible plants from their natural environment. This was a necessary way of survival for these early humans as they did not have the knowledge or resources for farming at that time. Hunting and gathering allowed them to adapt to their surroundings and obtain the necessary nutrients for survival.

Africa is facing a serious environmental problem of a decrease in the amount of fertile land. This is a significant concern as it directly impacts agricultural productivity and food security in the region. With diminishing fertile land, it becomes challenging to sustain crop production and meet the growing demands of the population. This issue can lead to food shortages, increased poverty, and environmental degradation as farmers resort to unsustainable farming practices to compensate for the loss of fertile land. Therefore, addressing and reversing the decline in fertile land is crucial for Africa's sustainable development and the well-being of its people.

Subsistence farming is the most suitable answer to the question. This type of farming is prevalent in Africa due to its focus on producing enough food to meet the needs of the farmer and their family, rather than for commercial purposes. Given the continent's high poverty levels and limited access to resources, subsistence farming allows individuals to sustain themselves by growing crops and raising livestock for their own consumption. This practice is essential for food security and survival in many rural areas of Africa.

The major effect of slavery on Africa was the loss of a significant portion of its population and skilled workers. Slavery involved the forced capture and transportation of Africans to other parts of the world, resulting in a massive depletion of human resources within Africa. This loss of population and skilled labor had long-lasting negative consequences for the continent, hindering its development and economic growth.

African countries are diversifying their economies to protect against economic hardships. By diversifying their economies, these countries can reduce their dependence on a single sector or commodity, such as agriculture or minerals. This allows them to be more resilient to economic shocks, such as fluctuations in commodity prices or natural disasters. Diversification also promotes sustainable economic growth by creating new industries, attracting foreign investment, and generating employment opportunities.