Answer Key — Geography Worksheet for 15-year-old: Rainforest Layers, Efate Island Resources, Housing, Tourism (Questions 20–25)

Clear answer key for a 15-year-old covering rainforest layers, natural resources of Efate Island (farming, tourism, manufacturing), reasons houses differ, definition of a tourist, and tourism's economic effects on a small island.

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20. Label the different layers of the rainforest. (4 marks)

  1. Emergent layer — the very top trees that stick out above the canopy.
  2. Canopy layer — the continuous layer of tree crowns where most leaves and many animals live.
  3. Understory (understorey) layer — smaller trees and shrubs growing beneath the canopy; limited light.
  4. Forest floor — the ground level, with decomposing leaves, fungi and few plants because of low light.

21. Natural resources of Efate Island — list under headings

A. Resources used for farming: (4 marks)

  • Fertile volcanic soil suitable for crops (e.g., root crops, vegetables)
  • Fresh water from rivers, streams and springs for irrigation
  • Tropical climate (warm and wet) that supports year-round growing
  • Available agricultural land/flat coastal plains for gardens and plantations

B. Resources that support tourism: (3 marks)

  • Beaches and clear coastal waters with coral reefs for swimming and snorkeling
  • Scenic landscapes, volcanic features and natural forests for sightseeing and hiking
  • Local culture and traditional villages that attract cultural tourism

C. Resources for secondary (manufacturing) industry: (2 marks)

  • Timber and wood products that can be processed locally
  • Coconut/copra (coconut products) used in oil and food processing

22. Working for cash (2 marks)

Most people need to earn money because the goods and services they need (food from shops, clothing, school fees, healthcare, transport) are sold for cash. Money lets people buy things and pay for services that they cannot produce themselves.

23. Factors affecting housing (3 marks)

List three reasons why houses differ around the world:

  1. Climate — houses in cold places are built to keep heat in; in hot places they are designed for ventilation.
  2. Available building materials — local stone, timber, mud, or modern concrete influence house style.
  3. Culture and economy — local traditions, wealth and lifestyle affect size, layout and decoration.

24. What is a tourist? (1 mark)

A tourist is a person who travels to and stays in a place away from home for leisure, business or other reasons for a short period.

25. Define tourism and its economic effect on a small island. (2 marks)

Tourism is the activity of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for pleasure, business or other reasons. On a small island, tourism brings income and jobs (hotels, restaurants, guides), earns foreign exchange, and can lead to better infrastructure (roads, airports). Possible negatives include environmental damage, pressure on local resources, seasonal or low-paid jobs and increased cost of living.

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