Nature: Complex Ecosystems 3

– The Okavango Delta –

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a diverse and complex ecosystem unlike any other in Africa. Situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, it is a massive inland delta that does not flow into a sea or ocean, an anomaly among large water systems.

The delta comes to life every year when floodwaters from Angola reach the Okavango River, which then spreads over the delta area, creating a vast wetland teeming with a myriad of plant and animal species. This influx of water triggers an explosion of life, transforming the arid landscape into a vibrant, lush habitat.

The Okavango Delta is home to an estimated 200,000 large mammals, over 400 species of birds, and countless other creatures, all intricately interconnected. It is also one of the few places where one can witness large concentrations of Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

The balance and survival of this complex ecosystem depend heavily on the seasonal floods, demonstrating the incredible adaptability of nature to extreme environmental conditions. Its rich biodiversity makes the Okavango Delta an invaluable resource for scientists and conservationists.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

The Okavango Delta is a diverse and complex _______ found in Botswana.
This ecosystem is situated in the middle of the _______ Desert.
Floodwaters from Angola create a vast _______ full of numerous plant and animal species.
This region is inhabited by an estimated 200,000 large _______, over 400 species of birds, and countless other creatures.
The survival of this complex ecosystem heavily relies on the _______ floods.
Its rich biodiversity makes the Okavango Delta an _______ resource for scientists and conservationists.

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is a unique _______ located within the Kalahari Desert. Every year, floodwaters from Angola infuse the delta, triggering a surge of _______ that transforms the dry landscape into a thriving habitat. This region serves as a refuge for approximately 200,000 large mammals, over 400 bird species, and innumerable other _______. This complex system’s continuation is largely dependent on the annual _______. The Delta’s rich biodiversity presents an invaluable _______ for scientific study and nature preservation.

Vocabulary Builder

Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.

Original Word	Variants Used
ecosystem	________________
located	________________
Kalahari Desert	________________
floodwaters	________________
biodiversity	________________
large mammals	________________
annual floodwaters	________________
resource	________________
scientists and conservationists	________________

Reveal answer (17 More Words)

Original Word	Variants Used
ecosystem	habitat
located	situated
Kalahari Desert	desert
floodwaters	floods
biodiversity	numerous plant and animal species
large mammals	creatures
annual floodwaters	yearly waters
resource	refuge
scientists and conservationists	scientific study and nature preservation