Q. The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions.

Which of the following are such conditions?

  1. Burrowing animals and termites
  2. Fire
  3. Grazing herbivores
  4. Seasonal rainfall
  5. Soil properties

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

  • 1 and 2
  • 4 and 5
  • 2, 3 and 4
  • 1, 3 and 5

Answer: c) 2, 3 and 4

Notes:

  • The savanna biome, which is a type of grassland biome, consists of areas of open grassland with very few trees.
  • There are two kinds of savannas:
    • tropical and
    • semi-tropical savannas.
  • Grasslands are located on every continent except Antarctica.
  • The largest savannas are located in Africa near the equator. One of the most famous African savannas is Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, which is known for its large wildebeest and zebra populations. The park is also home to lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and gazelles.
  • Climate
    • The savanna climate varies according to the season.
    • In the wet season, weather is warm and a savanna receives as much as 50 inches of rain.
    • But during the dry season, weather can be extremely hot, and rainfall will amount to only four inches each month.
    • This combination of high temperatures and little precipitation makes savannas perfect areas for grass and brush fires during their dry seasons.
      • Fire, whether natural or human-induced, can be a common hazard in the dry season.
  • Natural Vegetation
    • The savanna biome is often described as an area of grassland with dispersed trees or clusters of trees.
    • The lack of water makes the savanna a difficult place for tall plants such as trees to grow.
    • Grasses and trees that grow in the savanna have adapted to life with little water and hot temperatures.
    • Grasses, for example, grow quickly in the wet season when water is abundant and turn brown in the dry season to conserve water.
    • Some trees store water in their roots and only produce leaves during the wet season.
    • Due to frequent fires, grasses are short and close to the ground and some plants are fire resistant.
    • Examples of vegetation in the savanna include wild grasses, shrubs, baobab trees, and acacia trees.