The savanna ecosystem has grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs where moisture is available. Elephant grass and acacias dominate the vegetation, with the grass dying back during dry seasons to provide organic matter to the soil. Baobab and acacia trees are drought-resistant with adaptations like waxy leaves, deep taproots, and umbrella-shaped canopies. The soils have a deep litter layer, with rapid decay during wet seasons and high evaporation and upward mineral movement during dry seasons due to high temperatures.

1. Ecosystem ~ Tropical Grasslands (The Savanna)

2. Wildlife

3. Wildlife

4. Vegetation ~ Grassland with scattered trees and shrubs where moisture is available Elephant grass can grow to over 3m Acacias Grass dies back in dry season = organic matter for soil

5. Vegetation ~ drought resistant Baobab tree Deciduous ~ loses leaves in dry season Stores water in soft, spongy layer in trunk Trunk may be 9m diam. ~ protects it from lightning Small waxy leaves reduces transpiration Long tap roots

6. Vegetation ~ drought resistant Acacia Branches low to ground Spread into umbrella-shaped crown Large canopy shades ground so less loss of water through evaporation Small waxy leaves reduces transpiration Long tap roots

7. S O I L S Deep litter layer at start of dry season Litter decays rapidly in wet season Dry season – high temperatures = high evaporation so upward movement of minerals & water Heavy rains of wet season may cause some leaching Calcium rich in dry season