Tropical Grasslands Meghan Kusper Brittany Broome Donovan Sweet

General Information Grasslands with scattered shrubs and trees Located on either side of the equator beyond tropical rainforests Australia, South America, and India Also called the Savanna Grass is the dominant plant species Large herds of hoofed, grazing mammals with specified diets to reduce competition

Climate Low to moderate rain (30-40 inches) Drought season in the winter and rainy season in the summer No rain between December and February Since there is not enough rain to support forests, grass is the dominant plant species. The monsoon season starts in May, and weather during this period is hot and humid. Temperatures range between degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Part of tropical/wet climate zone

Productivity Biomass is the dryweight of all organic matter contained in its organisms. Productivity is the rate at which producers convert solar energy into chemical energy as biomass. The soil is porous for rapid drainage, dry, and has a thin layer of humus. Plants must be able to withstand drought in order to be productive. Productivity is much higher during the rainy season.

Threats Drought seasons are a threat to this biome because animals and plants must adapt to survive with less water. Another effect of the dry season is fire. Organisms must be able to survive and thrive under these conditions. Humans also have an impact on the tropical grasslands. In Africa, people are grazing their animals on the savanna. Since the animals do not move around, the grasses are being eaten completely. This can lead to desertification.

Animals Many have long legs or wings to aid in migration. Others burrow to escape the heat. Large ears or surfaces of skin allow the animals to lose heat to the environment. To avoid competition among the various species, each has developed its own feeding preference. Animals eat vegetation at different heights or times and migrate to different places during the dry season. Giraffes live in the tropical grassland biome. To reduce competition for food, giraffes eat leaves and shoots from tops of trees. During the dry season, they migrate to find water and grasses. They can survive without water for weeks and their long necks allow them to see predators from afar.

Plants Many have long tap roots to reach underground water during the dry season. Thick bark is often present as a defense against fire. Trunks may be able to store water, and leaves are dropped during the dry season to conserve water. Storage organs, such as bulbs, can also help plants survive the drought. Bermuda grass is a specific species that has adapted to thrive throughout disturbances such as fire, drought, flooding, and grazing. A deep root system allows the grass to have better access to water in dry conditions. The roots can be up to 59 inches deep. Burmuda grass produces seeds for reproduction 3 months after planting, which allows for quick reproduction. The seeds germinate in temperatures above 68 degrees, which is ideal for life in the tropical grasslands.