1. Powerpoint by Alex and Roxy Cativiela
The Tropical Savanna
Powerpoint by Alex
and Roxy Cativiela

2. What is it, and where’s it found?
Grassland, shrubs, trees
Africa – Acacia
Australia – Eucalyptus

3. Weather, Climate, Soil Warm year round (68˚–86˚ F)
Long dry winter (4 in)
Very wet summer (15 – 25 in)
Soil is extremely porous
Can catch fire when very dry

4. Adaptations Small burrowing animals – dormant – drought.
Grass – grows quickly – adequate water. Fire stimulates growth. Replenishes nutrients in soil. Turns brown to limit water loss.
Grass – too sharp or bitter – avoid competition.
Baobob – leafless in dry season, stores water in trunk.

5. Adaptations Continued
Acacia – long tap roots, fire resistant.
Ants live in Acacia thorns. Used as defense when consumers.
Large ears on some animals to help cool body.
Poisonous alkaloid emitted into leaves and air when giraffes try to consume.

6. Balance and Dependency (Biodiversity)
Over 40 species of hoofed mammals
Over 16 species of browsers
Height, time of day or year, location
Grass – Herbivores
Herds of mammals – Carnivores
Overgrazing

7. Food Chain Producers - trees, shrubs, grass.
Primary Consumers –zebras, gazelles, giraffes, elephants.
Secondary Consumers –cheetahs, lions, hyenas, crocodiles, wild dogs, leopards.
Scavengers –termites, vultures, hyenas.
Decomposers (Detrivores) – mushrooms, insects, microorganisms.

9. Cool Facts Christ’s Crown of Thorns – Acacia
Acacia is used as flavoring. Treats sore throat, helps the digestive tract.
The Baobob tree – Bottom’s up. Trunk diameter - 12 meters. Can live thousands of years. Shelter.
The candelabra tree - poisonous. White sap from the inner tree can cause blister on skin, blinds eyes, breathing the fumes burns. Sticky poisonous latex and sharp spines prevents feeding.

10. More Facts
Eucalyptus in medicines to treat: infections, colds, flu, sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, aching, stiffness, neuralgia, skin infections.
The River Bushwillow (Hiccup Nut) seed causes violent hiccups.
Umbrella Thorn Acacia can survive in 122° F temperatures during the day, and freezing temperatures at nights.
Over 700 Acacia species in Africa.
Elephants can’t jump. Wanted for tusks.
Zebra’s are black with white stripes.

11. Tourism Information Savannah Overland Expeditions
10 week trip (72 days)
10 countries (Kenya, Uganda, Congo/Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa)
Safety: Disease, Animals
Many fun activities!

12. Quiz on what you’ve learned
Where is the largest Savanna located?
What is the niche of the hyena?
What is the dominant tree of the Australian Savanna?
Name one adaptation.
What is another name for the River Bushwillow?

13. Credits