New
New
The tropical rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo
I can explain the importance of the Congo rainforest and the threats it faces.
Lesson 7 of 12
New
New
- Year 8
The tropical rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo
I can explain the importance of the Congo rainforest and the threats it faces.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
That the Congo rainforest is only found in the DRC.
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.
Remember that several of the causes of deforestation can happen by legal means or illegally. For example, logging may be done by commercial companies or through illegal activity. Whether legal or illegal, they all contribute to the total deforestation experienced in the DRC each year.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is the DRC located?
Where is the DRC located?
Northern Africa
Eastern Africa
Southern Africa
Q2.The DRC is rich in resources like copper, cobalt and diamonds.
The DRC is rich in resources like copper, cobalt and diamonds.
Q3.What major valley system passes through the eastern part of the DRC?
What major valley system passes through the eastern part of the DRC?
Amazon Valley
Sahara Valley
Q4.Match the term to its description:
Match the term to its description:
Q5.Which major river flows through the DRC and is a vital natural resource?
Which major river flows through the DRC and is a vital natural resource?
Nile
Amazon
Limpopo
Q6.A climate is found near the Equator and features high rainfall and hot temperatures year-round.
A climate is found near the Equator and features high rainfall and hot temperatures year-round.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a rainforest?
What is a rainforest?
A cold forest with little rainfall
A dry, desert-like forest
A forest found only in Europe
Q2.The removal of all trees from an area is called ...
The removal of all trees from an area is called ...
Q3.What does a carbon sink do?
What does a carbon sink do?
Creates carbon dioxide
Destroys trees
Releases more carbon than it absorbs
Q4.Which of the following is true about the Congo Rainforest?
Which of the following is true about the Congo Rainforest?
It is only found in the DRC
It is located only in South America
It covers just small patches of land
Q5.Why is the rainforest important for biodiversity?
Why is the rainforest important for biodiversity?
It has no animals
It supports only one type of plant
It is mostly bare land
Q6.The Congo Rainforest acts as a giant sink, helping to combat climate change.
The Congo Rainforest acts as a giant sink, helping to combat climate change.
