Ecosystem ~ Tropical Grasslands

(The Savanna)

Wildlife

Wildlife

Vegetation ~

Grassland with scattered trees and shrubs where moisture is available

Elephant grass can grow to over 3m

Acacias

Grass dies back in dry season = organic matter for soil

Vegetation

~ drought resistant

Baobab tree

•Deciduous ~ loses leaves in dry season

•Stores water in soft, spongy layer in trunk

•Trunk may be 9m diam. ~ protects it from lightning

•Small waxy leaves reduces transpiration

•Long tap roots

Vegetation

~ drought resistant

Acacia

•Branches low to ground

•Spread into umbrella-shaped crown

•Large canopy shades ground so less loss of water through evaporation

•Small waxy leaves reduces transpiration

•Long tap roots

S O I L S

Deep litter layer at start of dry season

Litter decays rapidly in wet season

Dry season – high temperatures = high evaporation so upward movement of minerals & water

Heavy rains of wet season may cause some leaching

Calcium rich in dry season