8.05 West Africa

Geography of West Africa Borders the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and the Red and Mediterranean Seas! Very mountainous and diverse! Home to deserts, coral reefs, marshes, rainforests, gulfs, and grasslands PAUSE TIME! Go to page 1 of 9 in 8.05 and watch the video on geographical features! – What amazing facts did you learn from the video?

Natural Wonders of Africa West Africa is home to various ecosystems and natural wonders of the world. The natural wonders of the world found in Africa – Red Sea Reef – Mount Kilimanjaro – Avenue of the Boabobs- these trees can be over 100 years old and over 800ft tall! – Ngorangoro Crater – Serengeti Plains-home to the largest mammals on earth!

Ghana “The Gold Coast” Government- each territory had a different king! Ghana had a huge army with skilled archers. Economy-Ghanaian Kings controlled valuable trade routes, and collected taxes from merchants who wanted to travel safely on their roads of the “Trans-Sahara Trade routes” – Ghana became very wealthy by trading with many different groups Religion-People from Arabia brought the Muslim religion to Ghana through cultural diffusion. – Cultural diffusion is where a groups culture blends with another by religion, art, government, food, and architecture Ghanaian Kings welcomed foreign traders and would wear beautiful necklaces and jewelry and were often seen as god-kings like those in Meso America and Egypt. Ghana declined after they lost control of the trade routes to the Almoravid Muslims who took over their land. When the trade declined, many people who lived in Ghana moved away.

PAUSE! Time to learn more about the religion of the groups of West Africa! Go to page 5 of 9 in 8.05 explore the pictures and read the captions. When you are done you should be able to explain: – What is a mosque? – What is the name of the oldest mosque in Ghana? Why do you think it’s on the list of endangered buildings? – What did the Almoravids use to trade with the Spanish and other Europeans?

Mali Government-Ruled by the very smart king Sundiata (nicknamed the Lion King) Sundiata believed in the importance of trade. Economy-created very safe trade routes by using military soldiers to protect the routes. He also helped to restore farmland and offered slaves an opportunity for freedom! Religion-Muslim but tolerated other religions Many merchants and scholars came from Mali! Mali was know as one of the greatest learning centers in the world. Sundiata’s grandson named Mansa Musa established the largest university at Timbuktu! JUMP TO PAGE 6 of 9! Listen to the story of Sundiata’s birth and rise to power! Which parts do you think are true? Which parts do you think are made up? Why?

Songhai Government- Ruled by Sunni Ali who was a great warrior and leader. Laws were based on Islamic laws. – Organized soldiers and conquered Mali to took over Mali trade areas. Became the largest empire in Western Africa Economy-based on fishing, they would trade fish for the goods that they needed. They also exported many slaves. Religion-Rich people followed Muslim laws and religion but common people practiced traditional African religions where there was the worship or many gods (POLYTHEISM) Daily Life- Wealthy were treated very well but the poor were treated badly! Decline- The Songhai’s empire got too large and they couldn’t control such a large population. A civil war broke out and because they had weak rulers at the time; invaders took over!

Compare Ghana Mali and Songhai

Types of Ecosystems in Africa Deserts-dry hot, very few plants Rainforests-very rainy, many animals, plants, and trees! Savannah-mild climate, not too hot, not too cold, mostly grass and a few trees. Home to many elephants, lions, and giraffes Niger River Delta- a very large delta with many marshes, lakes and streams. Home to many fish and farm animals!

Threats to Ecosystems in Africa There are many threats to the ecosystems in Africa that include Climate change (weather getting too hot/too cool) Foreign species of animals and plants that can kill off native species or overtake land that has a native species Natural disasters (storms, mudslides, etc.) Pollution (dirty water, dirty air) Population growth

PAUSE go to page 8 of 9 in 8.05 Watch the 2 minute Ecosystems Video and discuss with a partner some of the threats to the ecosystems of Africa!

Ace that Quiz!