Class 5th notes- L5

 CLASS 5TH SOCIAL STUDIES

5. DRC - The Land Of Dense Forest

C. Answer the following questions.

1. What was/is DRC known as: (a) before 1971, (b) between 1971 and 1997 , (c) at present?

Ans. a. Belgian Congo  b. Zaire 

c. Democratic Republic of Congo 

2. What kind of climate does DRC have?

Ans. Being near the Equator, the climate in most  parts of the DRC is very hot throughout the year. The humidity is also very high. The high humidity levels cause clouds to build up by the afternoon, and rain comes down at about 4 pm. This happens almost every day, making the region one of the wettest in the world.

3. Describe a tropical rainforest.

Ans. The tropical rainforests are evergreen forests. The trees of the forest are covered with leaves throughout the year. There are a large variety of trees and other plants. The trees are tall and form a canopy of leaves at the top. This prevents sunlight from passing through. Creepers, climbers and shrubs grow below. However, at several places the canopy is so thick that very few plants can grow under it. 

4. Why is most of the DRC covered with Tropical rainforest?

Ans.. The hot and humid climate of the DRC is ideal for the growth of dense forest. 

5. What is a savanna? Which parts of the DRC have this type of vegetation?

Ans. Savannas are flat and open grasslands with a few scattered trees. The savannas are mostly found in the southern part of DRC.

6. Name four animals found in plenty in the tropical rainforests, and four found in the savannas.

Ans. Elephants, buffaloes, baboons and hippopotamuses live in the rainforests. Lions, leopards, giraffes and zebras live in the savannas. 

7. Which dangerous insect present in the forests of the DRC causes sleeping sickness?

Ans. . The tsetse fly gives rise to the sleeping sickness.

8. Describe the way the tribes of the DRC live.

Ans. The people of the tribes of the DRC, like the Bambuti, the Twa and the Babinga traditionally get their food by hunting animals and gathering plant food. They live in camps which they occupy for a short time and then they move on to a new place. Their huts are made of branches and leaves. Since the weather is hot and humid, the people of these tribes do not wear many clothes. But on special occasions, they wear colourful costumes. They enjoy singing, dancing and telling stories. However, their existence is being threatened by widespread deforestation.

**********************