Savanna
Chloe Robinson and Andie Hilburn
Introduction
- rolling grasslands scattered with shrubs and isolated trees
- can be found between tropical rainforests and desert biome
- known as tropical grasslands
Plant Species and Adaptaions
Species
- Acacia Senegal (species name) Gum Acacia (common name)
- Cynodon Dactlyon (species name) Bermuda Grass (common name)
- Pennisetum Purpureum (species name) Elephant Grass (common name)
- Acacia Tortils (species name) Umbrella Thorn Acacia (common name)
- Adansonia (species) Baobab Tree (common name)
- grass grows quickly when there is adequate water because they go through droughts
- grass stores moisture and nutrients in their roots while they await for the rainy season to come
- Umbrella Thorn Acacia has developed long, sharp thorns which share a relationship with stinging ants. They live in the thorns and when an animal takes a bite they get angry ants in their mouth which drives them away.
- fire resistant
- Baobab Tree stores water in its large trunk
Animal Species and Adaptations
Species
- Loxodonta (species name) African Elephants (common name)
- Dromaius Novaethollandiae (species name) Emu (common name)
- Phascularctos Cinereus (species name) Koala Bear (common name)
- Panthera Leo (species name) Lion (common name)
- Papio Ursinus (species name) Chacma Baboon (common name)
- Crocodylus Niloticus (species name) Nile Crocodile (common name)
- Equus Grevyi (species name) Zebra (common name)
- Lacy Pictus (species name) African Wild Dog (common name)
- African Elephant's have a long trunk that is flexible and is used to pick up food and water and carry it to its mouth
- Emu's have sharp, three toed feet that help them run extremely fast
- Koala Bear's have strong bones to support its heavy body while climbing trees
- Lion's coats are perfect camouflage for the tall dry grass for sneaking up on prey
- Chacma Baboon's have sharp teeth in which they use for defense against a predator
Interesting Facts
- Many animals of the savanna are endangered due to overhunting and loss of habitat.
- The Baobab tree can live for thousands of years.
- Fire is used to help keep the density of trees low and stimulate the productivity of the grasses.
- The largest savanna is located in Africa.
- Most of Africa's 2,300 species of birds are found in the savanna.
Food Web
Interactions
Predation- Wild Dog hunts and eats its prey, the Hare
Mutualism- Acacia Thorns provide a home for Ants and the Ants protect the tree from predators
Commensalism- Lion kills the Gazelle and leaves the leftovers for scavengers like the Hyena
Parasitism- a Tik on a Caracal
Competition- Lion and Cheetah's compete for the Gazelle