A Day in the Tropical Savanna Triton Industries presents: A Day in the Tropical Savanna

Africa, Australia, Asia, South America, North America

We are Unique Dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants Shrub and tree-sized woody plants Support a great seasonal abundance of large, migratory mammals, as well as substantial populations of resident animals In Australia there are many species that are found nowhere else in the world

Animals and Plant Adaption Grasses keep a supply of nutrients and water in the roots below the ground. As such, they can survive fires that usually only affect the parts of the plants above ground. Fire actually replenishes the soil with nutrients, encouraging plant growth. After a fire, the acacia tree can re-sprout from the root crown, which is located under the ground and suffers no significant damage from a fire Although elephants do migrate, they have a physical adaptation that allows them to access water that is not available to other animals. Baobab trees store water in their large trunks. The elephant's physical strength and anatomy allow it to tear open the trunk of the baobab tree and to suck the water from it. An adaptation used by small burrowing animals is to remain dormant during times of drought--much like bears do during the winter in other biome

Plant and animal Characteristics So many native plants because the tropics are generally found to have more biodiversity in a given area than regions in higher latitudes. The plants need to be able to survive the dry season and drought in the savanna. Some store water and energy in their roots, bulbs, or trunks. Others have roots that go deep into the ground to reach the low water table. Animals that are highly adaptable can survive much better than ones with a narrow niche Plants that can adapt to fire and rapidly changing environment will survive well.

Climate A tropical wet and dry climate predominates in areas covered by savanna growth. Average monthly temperatures are at or above 64° F and annual precipitation averages between 30 and 50 inches. For at least five months of the year, during the dry season, less than 4 inches a month of rain is received. The dry season is associated with the low sun period. Savannas get all their rain in the summer months. During the distinct dry season of a savanna, most of the plants shrivel up and die. Some rivers and streams dry up. Most of the animals migrate to find food. During the wet season all of the plants are lush and the rivers flow freely. The animals migrate back to graze In the winter, it is usually about 68° to 78° F. In the summer the temperature ranges from 78° to 86° F. In a Savanna the temperature does not change a lot. its very gradual and not drastic. annual precipitation of 10 to 30 inches (100 to 150 cm) of rain.

Features of Tropical Savanna Tropical savannas are located in semi-arid to semi-humid climate regions of subtropical and tropical latitudes A savanna is a rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and isolated trees. Not enough rain falls on a savanna to support forests. Also known as tropical grasslands. They are found in a wide band on either side of the equator characterized by the trees being widely spaced so that the canopy does not close. The open canopy allows sufficient light to reach the ground to support the grass

Soil and Vegetation The soils of the tropical savannas are a major determinant of vegetation in the region Soil is essentially a scab-like crust which forms on rocks as they decompose under the elements Soils formed from granites tend to be sandy and infertile, while those formed from basalts will be more fertile and clayey Savannas are characterized by a continuous cover of perennial grasses, often 3 to 6 feet tall at maturity. Furthermore, savannas may be distinguished according to the dominant taxon in the tree layer: for example, palm savannas, pine savannas, and acacia savannas.

A problem we face Weeds are an environmental issue the Tropical Savanna faces. Weeds are any plants that are out of place. In Australia, these weeds are often not native species, although some can be if they move away from their natural area. Once these weeds invade they introduce diseases and insects that the native plants are not used to. They can also out-compete native plants for resources such as light, space, and food. Weeds are one of the most serious environmental issues in Australia’s tropical savannas today

Average Precipitation NIGERIA

Average Temperature

Tourist and Seasonal Information The most popular time to visit is March through June, when temperatures are mild, flowers are in bloom, and events are happening everywhere. Visitors will find fewer crowds and lower prices during the summer and winter months, but temperatures aren't as ideal. Fall can be a favorable time to go, with a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer visitors. Birding go on a wildlife safari view tribal life with a guide Bunge jumping ride elephants rafting

Work Cited Page http://www.fao.org/docrep/t0122e/t0122e03.htm  http://www.fao.org/docrep/t0122e/t0122e03.htm http://www4.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/ climate_systems/tropical_wetdry_1.htm https://php.radford.edu/~swoodwar/biomes/?page_id=105 http://www.defenders.org/grasslands/tropical-grasslands http://www.savanna.org.au/all/faq.html

Natalie G Bryan G Bita A Taylor N