Tropical Biome – Savannah Grassland

Climate:

  • Wet and dry seasons.
  • 500-1000mm of rain per year.
  • Hot throughout the year.
  • High pressure and strong trade winds in the dry season.
  • Wet season dominated by the ITCZ.
  • Fires may occur caused by heat and lightning.

 

Vegetation:

  • Trees dominate over grasses where the wet season is longer – dense rainforest towards the equator.
  • Grasses may be up to 2m tall – long roots.
  • Adaptations include fire resistant bark, water storage etc.

 

Soil:

  • Deep red lateric soils.
  • Influenced by climate.
  • Silica is leached downwards in the wet season.
  • Crust formed in the dry season.

 

Biodiversity:

  • Greater towards the equator.
  • Acacia, Baobab, Umbrella Thorn, Elephant Grass.
  • Great animal migrations occur meaning that biodiversity drops at certain times.
  • 40% of the land in Tanzania has been designated as a National Park to help conserve biodiversity.
  • African Elephant, Black Rhino, Zebra and Cheetah are endangered.