MEANING OF FOREST TYPES OF FOREST
Subject : Agricultural Science
Class : Jss 2 / Basic 8
Term : Third Term / 3rd Term
Week : Week 6
Topic : MEANING OF FOREST; TYPES OF FOREST
Previous Knowledge : Learners have been taught
RISK FACTORS IN WATER AND FISH FARMING
in their previous lesson .
Behavioural Objectives : By the end of the lesson , learner will be able to
- List the risk Factors in Water and Fish Farming
- Mention types of fishing tools
- Say the definition of Forest and Forestry
- List eight Important Forest Trees
- Mention Forest Tree Crops
- Explain Forest Animals
- Mention Types of Forests
MEANING OF FOREST; TYPES OF FOREST
CONTENT
- Definition of Forest and Forestry
- Important Forest Trees
- Forest Tree Crops
- Forest Animals
- Types of Forests
Definition of Forest and Forestry
A forest is an area of land covered with trees, shrubs and other plants. It could natural in nature or planted by man for a purpose. Forests are common in the southern part of Nigeria because of much rainfall.
Forestry is a branch of agriculture which deals with the control and management of forest for forest resources.
Important Forest Trees
The following are important forest trees:
- Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis)
- Iroko (Clorophora excels)
- African Walnut (Lovoa trichilioides)
- Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon)
- Opepe (Sarcocephalus diderrichii)
- Black Afara (Terminalia superb)
- Mansonia (Mansonia altissima)
- Omo (Cordia platythyrsa)
- Ebony (Diospryos spp)
- Gmelina
- Teak (Tectona grandis/Oldfieldia africana)
Forest Tree Crops
- Mango (Magnifera indica)
- Kola (Kola acuminata/Kola nitida
- Cocoa (Theobroma cacao)
- Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis)
- Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)
Forest Animals
- Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
- Green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus)
- Grass Cutter (Thryonomys swinderianus)
- Antelope (Neotragus spp)
- Bush fowl (Gallus spp)
- Snail (Archachatina marginata)
Types of Forests
The types of forests include the following:
- Mangrove forest
- Rain forest
- Derived forest (savannah zones)
Mangrove forest
The mangrove swamp is found in the coastal areas of South south and south west states of Nigeria. They are in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos states. Mangrove swamps carry mangrove species of trees, which are tall and could reach height of 45 metres. Mangrove swamp also provide local people with fish which is a major source of protein for them.
Rain forest
It lies to the north of the mangrove swamp and fresh water swamp. The rain forest carries a dense collection of big, tall trees. The area is of great importance for forestry and agricultural production. Trees like iroko, Obeche, Afara, oil palm. Mahoganies and Africa walnuts are found in Nigeria in the Rain forest
Derived Forest (Savannah zones)
This zone lies to the north of the rain forest. Centuries of clearing and bush burning for farming operation as well as logging have produced a savanna landscape of grass and scattered trees from what was formerly rain forest. Grasses commonly found in this zone include: Guinea grass, Giant star grass, Rhodes grass, Northern Gamba grass, Elephant grass and Kyasuwa grass
Types of Derived Forest (Savannah zones)
- Southern guinea savannah
- Northern guinea savannah
- Sudan savannah
- Sahel savannah
Vegetation Zones in Nigeria
EVALUATION
- Differentiate between forest and forestry
- Highlight Nigeria vegetation belts.