Giraffes nibble on tree branches in the Savannah biome.
Variable rainfall, grasslands dotted with tall trees, and firm soil characterize the temperate savanna biome. It can be found mainly in the plains of Africa, but parts of Florida, Brazil, Australia and India also belong to this biome. It is a mixture of grassland and forest, but it also has unique characteristics.
The temperature in the savannah varies little from one season to another, reaching an average of 20º C (68º F) throughout the year. Precipitation, however, varies dramatically. The rainy season lasts 6 to 8 months, reducing most of the area from 60 to 150 cm of rain in a short period of time. The impermeability of hard ground means that precipitation creates temporary pools that slowly feed groundwater. In the dry winter months, drought grips the land and water sources evaporate. Therefore, animals and plants adapted to survive these exaggerated conditions. Some birds migrate to more humid areas, while some rodents enter a dormant state underground.
Elephants can be seen in the African savannah.
The trees of the cerrado have little biodiversity. Acacia and baobob trees dominate the straight line of the horizon. These trees have flattened tops because grazers, like giraffes, nibble on the lower branches. Other African mammals use trees for shade and water. Elephants, zebras, water buffalo, ostriches, hyenas, warthogs, hippopotamuses, gazelles, and leopards are famous members of this ecology. There is a lot of biodiversity between herbivorous herbivores and carnivorous predators.
Leopards, a species of arboreal cat, are adapted for life in the Savannah biome.
The tropical savanna biome is in a state of flux. Elephants could create grasslands in the forest by trampling trees. Fire really helps preserve the savannah. Dry grass is easily ignited by lightning, and blazing fire spreads across the steppe. Birds and large animals have evolved to flee fire, while rodents dig burrows deep enough to withstand the heat. Even grasses store their water supply in their roots instead of their leaves so they don’t die in a fire. Fire moves too fast to damage trees, so it can safely germinate seeds of some species.