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Year 8 - Geography

The tropical rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the physical and human geography of the DRC and how natural resources bring both opportunities and challenges. Pupils will also learn about the Congo rainforest and how conservation efforts are trying to protect this important biome.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the importance of the Congo rainforest and the threats it faces.

Key Notes

  • The Congo is the world's second largest tropical rainforest.
  • The Congo rainforest is in the Congo Basin, which spans 6 countries.
  • Over 400 species of mammal live in the Congo, including gorillas and okapi.
  • 32 billion tonnes of carbon is stored in trees and plants in the Congo rainforest.
  • Deforestation threatens biodiversity and local communities that depend on the forest.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • tropical rainforest: areas of dense forest found close to the Equator where it is warm and there are high levels of rainfall
  • deforestation: the complete removal of trees
  • carbon sink: anything that absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide than it releases
  • biodiversity: all the living things in an ecosystem or area

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That the Congo rainforest is only found in the DRC.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The Congo is the world's second largest tropical rainforest. The Congo rainforest is in the Congo Basin, which spans 6 countries.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'tropical rainforest'

areas of dense forest found close to the Equator where it is warm and there are high levels of rainfall.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: That the Congo rainforest is only found in the DRC. Correction: The Congo rainforest is found in the Congo Basin, which spans six countries in Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Geography guide library.