Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 2

TERM – 1^ST TERM

WEEK EIGHT

Class: Senior Secondary School 2

Age: 16 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: Geography

Topic: VEGETATION

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

1. Identify major world’s vegetation types.
2. Describe the distribution and characteristics of world’s vegetation types.
3. Discuss the factors affecting their distribution/plant communities.
4. Examine the economic importance of vegetation as an environmental resource.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers,

demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

VEGETATION

Vegetation refers to the assemblage of plant life or plant cover in a particular area. It encompasses all the various types of plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, ferns, mosses, and other plant species, along with their associated ecosystems. Vegetation plays a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystems, influencing climate, soil composition, and providing habitat for diverse animal species.

Types of vegetations in the world

The major world vegetation types are often associated with specific climatic zones. The following are some of the primary vegetation types found globally:

1. Tropical Rainforests: The tropical rainforest is dense, evergreen forests with a high diversity of plant and animal species. Examples include the Amazon Rainforest in South America and the Congo Rainforest in Africa.
2. Tropical Savannas: It is a grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs which experiences a distinct wet and dry season. Common in regions like Africa, South America, and northern Australia.
3. Deserts: It consist of sparse vegetation adapted to low water availability. Examples include the Sahara Desert, the Mojave Desert, and the Atacama Desert.
4. Temperate Deciduous Forests: It consist of deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the fall. Common species include oak, maple, and beech. Found in regions like North America, Europe, and parts of East Asia.
5. Grasslands (Prairies, Steppes, Pampas): The grassland is dominated by grasses with scattered trees or shrubs. Examples include the North American prairies, Eurasian steppes, and South American pampas.
6. Tundra: It is characterized by low-growing vegetation, including mosses, lichens, and hardy shrubs. Permafrost is present in Arctic tundra. Examples include the Arctic tundra and alpine tundra.

Distribution and characteristics of world’s vegetation types

The world's vegetation is diverse and can be broadly classified into several major types based on climate, geography, and plant species. These include:

1. Tropical Rainforests: Found near the equator, characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and lush biodiversity.
2. Deserts: Arid regions with low precipitation, varying from hot deserts like the Sahara to cold deserts like the Gobi.
3. Grasslands: Vast areas dominated by grasses, with variations such as savannas (mixed grasses and scattered trees) and prairies.
4. Temperate Forests: Moderate climates with distinct seasons, featuring deciduous trees (shedding leaves in autumn) in temperate regions and evergreen trees in the boreal (northern) forests.
5. Tundra: Cold and treeless landscapes with short growing seasons, found in high latitudes and altitudes, characterized by permafrost.
6. Mediterranean Biomes: Regions with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, featuring shrubs, grasses, and adaptable plant species.
7. Aquatic Vegetation: Includes various types of plant life in water bodies, such as freshwater lakes, rivers, and marine ecosystems like coral reefs.

Factors Affecting Vegetation Distribution

The following are factors affecting vegetation distribution in the world'

1. Climate: Temperature, precipitation, and sunlight influence the type of vegetation that can thrive in a particular area. For example, deserts are characterized by low precipitation, while rainforests require high rainfall.
2. Topography: The physical features of the land, such as altitude, slope, and aspect, impact vegetation distribution. Mountains may have different plant communities at varying elevations.
3. Soil Type: Soil composition affects nutrient availability, drainage, and water retention, influencing the types of plants that can grow in a specific region.
4. Water Availability: The presence or absence of water bodies, like rivers and lakes, as well as patterns of water availability, significantly impact vegetation distribution.
5. Human Activities: Deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, and other human activities can alter natural vegetation patterns, leading to habitat destruction and changes in plant communities.
6. Biotic Interactions: Competition, predation, and mutualism among species also play a role in shaping plant communities. Certain plants may thrive or decline based on interactions with other organisms.

Economic Importance of Vegetation

Vegetation contributes immensely to the economic development of world, the following are some importance of vegetation

1. Vegetation is a primary source of food for humans and animals. Crops, fruits, and vegetables are essential components of the human diet.
2. Trees provide timber for construction, paper production, and various wood-based industries, contributing significantly to the economy.
3. Many plant species are a source of medicinal compounds, forming the basis for pharmaceuticals and traditional medicines.
4. Diverse vegetation types attract tourists interested in experiencing unique ecosystems, contributing to local economies through tourism-related activities.
5. Forests play a crucial role in regulating climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, influencing weather patterns, and maintaining overall environmental stability.
6. Protecting diverse plant species contributes to overall biodiversity, ensuring the resilience and adaptability of ecosystems, which is essential for long-term environmental health.
7. Vegetation, especially grasses and trees, helps prevent soil erosion, protecting agricultural land and maintaining soil fertility.

EVALUATION: 1. What is vegetation?

2. Identify and discuss the 6 major vegetation types in the world
3. Mention 5 factors affecting vegetation distribution in the world.
4. Identify 5 economic importance of vegetation.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively