Grasslands
Tropical Savannas
Description
Tropical grasslands are located near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. They cover much of Africa as well as large areas of Australia, South America, and India. This Biome is covered in mainly grass and is not near the ocean. Animals that live in this Biome are giraffes, zebra’s buffalo’s, kangaroo’s, moles, gophers, ground squirrels, snakes, worms, termites, beetles, lions, leopards, hyenas, and elephants.
Abiotic factors
Meteorological elements
Savannas are found in hot or warm climates, annual rainfall (20-50 inches) a year. Rain occurs 6-8 months within the year. Violent thunderstorms, and strong dry winds signal the beginning of the dry season.
Geographic location
Savannas cover half the surface of Africa, large areas of Australia, South America and India.
Flora
- Rhode grass
- Red oat grass
- Star grass
Adaptation
- Grasses roots are deep, which allow them to be unharmed during the fires in the dry season. They contain starch reserves, so after the fire they can regrow. Some plants have, what they call corky bark that is smooth and resonance that is fire resistant. Then some grasses have adapted to grow an inch or more during 24 hours during the rainy season.
Fauna
- Giraffes
- Zebra
- Elephant
- Hyenas
Adaptations
Larger animals are able to run fast enough to escape fire during the dry season.
Cavs of animals are born during rainy season and there's grass to be found, and mothers have plenty of milk.
Small animals dig holes to refuge from the fires created by the dry fire season.