Tropical Savanna

By: Amanda TrompetaRoxanna SecasMelissa PratStacy Marcos

Why its “tropical” savanna….

• A tropical Savanna – is a grassland biome dotted with trees.

• And located at tropical latitudes

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Climate

• A tropical dry and wet climate.

• Although it is located at tropical latitudes it is much drier than most tropical forest.

• Average is at or above 64 degrees F.

• Rainfall- 50 to 150 cm (20 to 60 inches).

• All this rainfall can occur within weeks

• During the 5 month dry season less than 4 inches. :/

Location • Widespread on the continent of Africa• India• Northern parts of South America • Australia

Abiotic Factors

• Fires from seasonal lightning• Seasonal rainfall• Times of drought• Times of great rain• High temperatures• Compact soil

Biotic Factors

• Vegetation (tall grasses, shrubs, and trees)• Animals and their behaviors as well.

Tropical Savanna: Animals

• Wildebeest• Warthogs• Elephants• Zebras• Rhinos• Gazelles• Hyenas• Cheetahs

Animals continued…

• Lions• Leopards• Ostrich• Mousebirds• Starlings• Weavers• And more…

Animal Adaptations

• During the dry season most birds and large mammals migrate.– Ex. Elephants migrate but they also have the physical strength

to tear open a tree and drink its water

– Ex. Small burrowing animals go to sleep kind of like bears.

• Lightning also causes fires which means animals need to fly and run fast.– Ex. Fork-tailed Drongos attracted. They feast on the fleeing

insects.

– Small burrowing animals dig deep under ground.

Tropical Savanna: Plants• Most common are…

– Acacia tree– Baobab tree

• Grasses can grow 6 to 9 feet tall.

Tropical Savanna: Plants

• In order to survive the fires and droughts plants:– Grasses turn brown to limit water loss– Store nutrients and moisture in roots– Fire stimulates new growth and replenishes the

soil with nutrients

and Adaptations• Baobab tree has adapted by:

– only producing leaves in the wet season.– Leaves are tiny fingerlike clusters– Their small size limits water loss– Ability to store water in its large trunk

• Acacia tree has adapted by:– Developing long tap roots that reach deep, ground water

sources– Fire resistant– Long sharp thorns to ward off animals– And symbiotic relationship with stinging ants

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