In the study of tropical grasslands, primitive or traditional communities often practice extensive animal rearing in the tropical savannas of which of the following regions?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: East Africa

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Tropical grasslands, also known as savannas, occur on several continents and support different forms of land use. In some regions, primitive or traditional communities rely heavily on pastoralism, meaning they rear cattle and other animals by moving them across the grasslands. This question asks you to identify which region tropical savannas are especially associated with such traditional animal rearing, an important aspect of human geography.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The setting is tropical grasslands or savannas.
  • Primitive or traditional people practice animal rearing there.
  • Regions listed are Brazil, Northern Australia, East Africa, and the Orinoco Basin.
  • We assume knowledge that East African savannas are famous for tribal pastoral practices.


Concept / Approach:
The tropical savannas of East Africa, including parts of Kenya, Tanzania, and surrounding countries, are classic examples of grassland ecosystems where traditional pastoral communities, such as the Maasai, rear cattle and other livestock. While Brazil and the Orinoco Basin have tropical grasslands (cerrado and llanos) and Northern Australia has tropical savanna too, the phrase primitive people practice animal rearing is most strongly associated with East Africa in exam oriented human geography, due to the prominence of tribal pastoralism there.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which of the listed regions has famous traditional pastoral tribes living in tropical savannas. Step 2: Recall that East Africa is home to the Maasai and other groups who practice extensive cattle rearing on the savanna grasslands. Step 3: Brazil has the cerrado and some ranching, but the traditional image of primitive pastoral tribes is less strongly associated with it in basic geography texts. Step 4: Northern Australia does have cattle stations on savanna lands, but these are mostly large commercial ranches rather than primitive tribal systems. Step 5: The Orinoco Basin contains the llanos grasslands, where cattle ranching also occurs, yet examination guides often highlight East Africa as the typical region for traditional pastoralism on tropical grasslands. Step 6: Therefore, select East Africa as the region where primitive people practice animal rearing in tropical grasslands.


Verification / Alternative check:
Human geography texts describing the tropical savanna climate often use East Africa as the illustrative region, showing pictures of savanna vegetation and Maasai herders tending cattle. They link this region with nomadic or semi nomadic pastoralism. While other savanna regions also support ranching, the typical exam answer for primitive animal rearing in tropical grasslands is East Africa. This repeated association confirms the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Brazil: Has tropical grasslands and cattle ranching, but the focus in exam questions on primitive tribal pastoralism is more on East Africa.
  • Northern Australia: Known for large commercial cattle stations, which are modern agricultural enterprises rather than primitive tribal systems.
  • Orinoco Basin in South America: Contains llanos grasslands with ranching, but again not the main example used for traditional pastoral tribes in basic textbooks.


Common Pitfalls:
Because tropical grasslands exist in all the regions listed, candidates may be tempted to guess any of them. The key is to notice the phrase primitive people practice animal rearing and recall which region is most associated with traditional tribal pastoralism. Repeating the pairing East African savanna and Maasai cattle herders during revision can help you avoid confusion and select the intended answer quickly.


Final Answer:
Primitive people commonly practice animal rearing in the tropical grasslands of East Africa.

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