2. Why its “tropical” savanna….
• A tropical Savanna – is a grassland biome
dotted with trees.
• And located at tropical latitudes
+
3. 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. :/
4. Location
• Widespread on the continent of Africa
• India
• Northern parts of South America
• Australia
5. Abiotic Factors
• Fires from seasonal lightning
• Seasonal rainfall
• Times of drought
• Times of great rain
• High temperatures
• Compact soil
9. 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.
10. Tropical Savanna: Plants
• Most common are…
– Acacia tree
– Baobab tree
• Grasses can grow 6
to 9 feet tall.
11. 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
12. 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
13. Like to visit?
• #1 resort in the area
“Circle of Life Resort”
• Call 1-800-234-4445
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