Biome Basics
What type of ecosystem is a savanna?
A tropical grassland.
What temperature range is typical of savannas according to the presentation
20°C–30°C.
Which animal is known for its sandy, golden-brown fur that helps it blend into its surroundings?
The lion.
Name one type of plant commonly found in the savanna.
Grass, a tree, or a thorny shrub.
Name one natural cause of savanna wildfires mentioned
Lightning
What are the two main types of vegetation that characterize a savanna?
Grasses and scattered trees.
What are the two distinct seasons of the savanna?
Wet and dry seasons.
What is the purpose of the dark patches of fur around a meerkat's eyes?
They act like sunglasses, reducing glare.
Which tree has a wide, umbrella-shaped crown that helps maximize sunlight?
The umbrella thorn acacia.
What happens to dry grasses and shrubs during the dry season that makes fires more likely?
They become dry and can catch fire easily.
How many main types of savanna are there?
Five
Which season receives approximately 15–25 inches of rainfall?
The wet season.
What can long legs help savanna animals do during periods of scarcity?
Migrate long distances or forage for food.
Which tree stores large quantities of water in its trunk?
The baobab tree.
How can wildfires benefit the savanna ecosystem?
They burn old, dead grasses and allow new growth.
Name two of the five savanna types listed
Any two: tropical and subtropical, temperate, Mediterranean, flooded, or montane savanna.
Name three regions or countries where savannas can be found, according to the presentation.
Any three listed: Africa, South America, Australia, Asia, India, Thailand, or Madagascar.
How can camouflage help animals survive in the savanna?
It helps them hide from predators or remain less visible while hunting.
How does the shade from the umbrella thorn acacia benefit the surrounding environment?
It reduces soil evaporation and creates a microclimate where grasses and seedlings can survive.
What tree feature helps large trees survive savanna fires?
Thick, fire-resistant bark.
What determines how savannas are further categorized?
The density of trees and shrubs.
Approximately what percentage of Earth's land does the presentation say savannas cover?
20%.
According to the presentation, which large land mammal can weigh up to 11 tons?
The African elephant.
What feature of Bermuda grass helps its seeds disperse across open areas?
Its fine, radiating seed-head spikes help seeds disperse through wind and animal movement.
Name two environmental problems threatening the savanna according to the presentation.
Human activities such as cutting down trees for homes, roads, and farms; and climate change, which can cause hotter, longer dry seasons and less predictable rainfall.