Tropical Savannah
By: Aly Muhammed Lalani and Audrey McGuane
Tropical Savannah
Tropical Savannah-Terrain
The Tropical Savannah covers about half of Africa. In different Places the Landscape changes. In some places the Landscape consist of gently rolling hills covered in high grasses, a few trees, in others places they can consist of rocky plateaus with deep gorges, trickling creeks and pockets of rainforest are found. Towards the coast the tropical savannas, in wet seasons they can consist of wide flooded coastal plains dominated by melaleuca forests, or swampy tidal mangrove forests.
Bibliography
"Savanna Biomes." Savanna Biomes. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. <http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna.htm>.
"The Landscapes of Australia's Tropical Savannas." Savanna Explorer. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. <http://www.savanna.org.au/all/landscapes.html>.
Image:"WELCOME! LOG IN HERE." Oddizzi. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. <http://www.oddizzi.com/teachers/explore-the-world/physical-features/ecosystems/savanna/>.
Tropical Savannah-Climate
Script
The Tropical Savannah's have a stable climate with little change during the different seasons. The Savannah's have a distinct dry season in the winter and gets most of it's rain during the summer months. The average temperature is 68 to 86 degrees, but during the summer months the temperature rises to an average of 78 to 86 degrees. The Savannah's get about 10-30 inches of precipitation a year.
Bibliography
"Savanna Climate." Savanna Climate. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. <http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna_climate_page.htm>.
Image: "Savanna." Savanna. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. <http://thebiomes.yolasite.com/savanna.php>.
Tropical Savannah-Plant Species
Candelabra Tree
Candelabra Tree (Euphorbia ingens) adapted by growing sharp spines and a poisonous sap that can leave blisters and even blind a person.
Bibliography:
"Candelabra Tree - Euphorbia Ingens." Candelabra Tree - Euphorbia Ingens. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/candelabra_tree.htm>.
Image:"Candelabra Tree, Tarangire." Candelabra Tree, Tarangire. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://rosswarner.com/Apict0548.html>.
Baobab Tree
Bibliography:
"As They Grow, Baobab Trees Hollow Themselves Out From The Inside."Io9. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://io9.com/as-they-grow-baobab-trees-hollow-themselves-out-from-t-1707288413>.
Image:"Baobab: Africa's Tree of Life." Aduna. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://aduna.com/pages/the-baobab-tree>.
Manketti Tree
Manketti Tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii) the Manketti tree has long taproots that can reach water deep in the ground. They also have thick bark to resist the annual fires.
Bibliography:
"Manketti Tree - Schinziophyton Rautanenii." Manketti Tree - Schinziophyton Rautanenii. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/manketti.htm>.
Image: "Plant Adaptation." Plant Adaptation. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://www.veeriku.tartu.ee/~ppensa/plant_adaptation.html>.
Gum Tree Eucalyptus
Bibliography:
"Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus Cinerea." Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus Cinerea. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/eucalyptus.htm>.
Image: "SoewnEarth." : June 2012. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://soewnearth.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html>.
Kangaroo Paw
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos manglessi) The Kangaroo Paw has tiny hairs on its flowers. The little hairs help by making it taste weird to predators, so they won't eat it. The little hairs also help with stopping water loss.
Bibliography:
"San Marcos Growers Kangaroo Paws Jump Into California Gardens." San Marcos Growers Kangaroo Paws Jump Into California Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://www.smgrowers.com/info/anigozanthosTalk.asp>.
Image:"Kangaroo Paw." Gardening Talk RSS. N.p., 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://gardeningtalk.com.au/gardens/kangaroo-paw/>.
River Bushwillow
River Bushwillow (Combretum erythrophyllum) If eaten the seed causes severe hiccups to predators as a defense mechanisms.
Biblliography:
"River Bushwillow - Combretum Erythrophyllum." River Bushwillow - Combretum Erythrophyllum. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. <http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/river_bushwillow.htm>.
Image:"Combretum Erythrophyllum – River Bush-willow." Willow Feather Farm. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.willowfeather.co.za/trees/combretum-erythrophyllum-river-bush-willow/>.
Tropical Savannah-Animal Species
Buffalo
The Buffalo or the "Syncerus caffer" has horns with fused bases referred to as a "boss". They use the horns for sparring, and also use them for recognizing the dominant bull.
Bibliography
"African Buffalo." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_buffalo>.
Image:Friedman, Jerry. "African Buffalo Image." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_buffalo#/media/File:Syncerus_caffer_fight1.jpg>.
Wildebeest
Bibliography:
"Wildebeest." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildebeest#Breeding_and_reproduction>.
"Adaptations." Grassland Animal: Wildebeest. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://aaronwildebeest.weebly.com/adaptations.html>.
Image: Karim, Muhammad Mahdi. "Wildebeest Image." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildebeest#/media/File:Blue_Wildebeest,_Ngorongoro.jpg>.
Rhinoceros
Bibliography:
"What Kinds of Adaptations Does a Rhinoceros Have for Finding or Catching Food?" Ask. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ask.com/pets-animals/kinds-adaptations-rhinoceros-finding-catching-food-f1c616ab0ba38293>.
Image: "Endangered Wild Animals in Africa." Buzzle. Buzzle.com, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/endangered-wild-animals-in-africa.html>.
Warthogs
Warthogs, also known as "Phacochoerus" have eyes on the side of their head to watch out for predators to avoid getting killed.
Bibliography:
"Adaptations." Warthogs. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://allaboutcoolwarthogs.weebly.com/adaptations.html>.
Image: Sharp, Charles. "Warthog Image." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_warthog#/media/File:Warthogs_(Phacochoerus_africanus)_male.jpg>.
Lions
Lions also known as the "Panthera leo" have Long, retractable claws help the lion to grab and hold prey.
Bibliography:
"African Lion." African Lion. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.lpzoo.org/animals/factsheet/african-lion>.
Image: Pluck, Kevin. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion#/media/File:Lion_waiting_in_Namibia.jpg>.
Leopards
Leopards, also known as "Panthera pardus" has The leopards have very strong legs that enable them to jump longvdistances. They also have big pads with thick fur on their feet. This helps them to travel on rocky surfaces.
Bibliography:
Answers. Answers Corporation, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.answers.com/Q/What_adaptations_does_a_leopard_have>.
Image:"Leopard." African Wildlife Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/leopard>.
Cheetah
The Cheetah, also known as the "Acinonyx jubatus" is very fast which allows them to catch their prey.
Bibliography:
"Cheetah." S, Description and Information and Adaptations of the Cheetah, Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.lions.org/cheetah.html>.
Image:"Cheetah Conservation Fund." RSS 20. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://cheetah.org/>.
Jackal
Jackal also known as the "Canis aureus" have abilities to eat grass and other herbs when their is no meat.
Bibliography:
"Jackal." (Canis Aureus). N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://a-z-animals.com/animals/jackal/>.
Image: Garvie, Steve. "Jackal Image." Wikipedia. Wikimedia, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackal#/media/File:Flickr_-_Rainbirder_-_Golden_Jackal.jpg>.
Hyenas
Hyenas also known as "Hyaenidae" have strong jaws and teeth which allows them to bring down prey that is much larger than itself.
Bibliography:
"What Are the Adaptations of Hyenas?" Ask. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ask.com/science/adaptations-hyenas-c9da8c00810e1f42>.
Image:"Hyenas Are as Bright as Primates, Research Shows." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/9530134/Hyenas-are-as-bright-as-primates-research-shows.html>.
Tropical Savannah- Food Web
- Buffalo- Eats Grass.
- Wildebeest-Eats Grass.
- Rhinoceros-Eats Grass.
- Warthog-Eats Grass.
- Lion- Eats Buffalo, Rhino, Warthog, Antelope, Gazelles, and Jackals.
- Leopard- Eats Wildebeest, Antelope, Gazelles, and Jackals.
- Cheetah- Warthogs, Antelope, Gazelles, and Jackals.
- Jackal-Eats Grass.
- Hyenas- Wildebeest, Antelope, Gazelle, and Jackals.
- Antelope-Eats Grass.
- Gazelle-Eats Grass.
- Grass-Self Producing.
The Animals on the 2nd Level all eat grass. Since there is an abundant supply their is not a competition for it. The animals on the 3rd level however are all fighting for all the herbivores as their main source of food.
Tropical Savannah-Stages of Succession
Tropical Savannah- Food Pyramid
Tropical Savannah- Human Influence
Script
Positive: Humans have created national parks in the Tropical Savannah's that allow animal populations to thrive and also provide protection for endangered animals.
Negative: In these areas, many of the humans dogs are not vaccinated (Rabies, etc.) which can affect the wildlife when dogs interact with other animals. Also Poaching is a very big problem. Poaching is the illegal hunting or capturing of animals.
Bibliography:
"Human Impact." Tropical Savanna Ecotourism. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://tropicalsavannaecotourism.weebly.com/human-impact.html>.
Tropical Savannah-Interesting Facts
-Their are many grazing animals due to the abundant supply of grass.
-The largest part of the Savannah biome is located in Africa.
-All the animals and plants play a big role in the environment, if one were to be removed, the entire ecosystem could be changed.
Bibliography:
"Savanna Biome Facts." Savanna Biome Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015. <http://www.softschools.com/facts/biomes/savanna_biome_facts/163/>.