savanna veg adaptions
Adaptations of Savanna vegetation.
Savanna vegetation must adapt to survive. Many problems must be overcome, such as lack of water, very seasonal rainfall, poor soil quality, grazing animals, very high temperatures and fire.
1. Define the following terms:
Xerophytic = A plant adapted to living in a dry arid habitat; a desert plant
Pyrophytic = plants adapted to tolerate fire
Deciduous = Loss of leaves seasonally
Perennial = lives more than 2 years
Dormant = A condition of significantly reduced activity with very less or no growth. All physiological activities, like photosynthesis, are minimal or non-existent.
2. Research specific adaptations/plants which are typical of the Savanna. Your notes should clearly outline what the adaptation is, why it is needed, and the name of the plant species. Aim to get a range of adaptations for both grasses and trees. Arranging your notes in a table is the best method:
Name of species
Adaptation
Reason for adaptation
Notes (location, features etc)
Baobab tree
Thick, corky bark which stores water and is fire resistant.
Shiny bark.
Stems have ‘U’ shaped channels to collect and store rain and dew
(Adapted to fire & drought)
In the wet months water is stored in its thick, corky, fire-resistant trunk for the nine dry months ahead. Survives regular fires and withstands drought. Reflects light and heat
Located in the savannas of Africa and India and found mostly around the equator.
Acacia tree
It can survive drought conditions. Also fire resistant. The acacia tree has developed very useful physical and behavioural adaptations to discourage animals from eating its leaves. It developed long, sharp thorns and a symbiotic relationship with stinging ants
(Adapted to drought and fire & predators)
It survives drought because it has developed long tap roots that can reach deep, ground water sources.
Bermbuda grass
It’s a form of creeping grass and has a deep root system, which can grow up to 60
Savanna vegetation must adapt to survive. Many problems must be overcome, such as lack of water, very seasonal rainfall, poor soil quality, grazing animals, very high temperatures and fire.
1. Define the following terms:
Xerophytic = A plant adapted to living in a dry arid habitat; a desert plant
Pyrophytic = plants adapted to tolerate fire
Deciduous = Loss of leaves seasonally
Perennial = lives more than 2 years
Dormant = A condition of significantly reduced activity with very less or no growth. All physiological activities, like photosynthesis, are minimal or non-existent.
2. Research specific adaptations/plants which are typical of the Savanna. Your notes should clearly outline what the adaptation is, why it is needed, and the name of the plant species. Aim to get a range of adaptations for both grasses and trees. Arranging your notes in a table is the best method:
Name of species
Adaptation
Reason for adaptation
Notes (location, features etc)
Baobab tree
Thick, corky bark which stores water and is fire resistant.
Shiny bark.
Stems have ‘U’ shaped channels to collect and store rain and dew
(Adapted to fire & drought)
In the wet months water is stored in its thick, corky, fire-resistant trunk for the nine dry months ahead. Survives regular fires and withstands drought. Reflects light and heat
Located in the savannas of Africa and India and found mostly around the equator.
Acacia tree
It can survive drought conditions. Also fire resistant. The acacia tree has developed very useful physical and behavioural adaptations to discourage animals from eating its leaves. It developed long, sharp thorns and a symbiotic relationship with stinging ants
(Adapted to drought and fire & predators)
It survives drought because it has developed long tap roots that can reach deep, ground water sources.
Bermbuda grass
It’s a form of creeping grass and has a deep root system, which can grow up to 60