The savanna grassland biome Flashcards
Where is the tropical grassland biome found
15 degrees north and 30 degrees south
What is the temperature range in the savanna biome in the dry season
18-34 degrees
How are fires often started in the savanna biome
lightning strikes
Example of tree species in the savanna biome and its adaptations
Baobab, they have thick barks enabling them to be fire resistance. THis thick trunk can store water to insulate it and protect from fires. They have long tap routes that protect from
Why are the nutrients deep into the soil in a savanna biome
Leaching - where nutrients are carried further through the soil profile.
How is the african wild dog adapted to life in the savanna
it has a light body and long legs enabling it to chase pray, its large ears enable it to lose heat
How is overgrazing impacting the savanna biome
Positive feedback loop, more agriculture means less areas for animal grazing means more stress on other areas causing more overgraxzing a soil erosion.
Also over work soil and deplete it of nutrients
What are the adaptations of the acacia tree
they have a low-umbrella shaped canopy that provides shade for the shallow roots, thus reducing soil water evaporation and they have small waxy leaves to reduce water lose and they loose their leaves during dry season
What happens if vegetation is destroyed in the savanna biome
Soil becomes exposed to wind and water erosion eventually leading to desertifcation
What is the percentage decline in species in the serengeti in
75%
What percentage increase of population around and in the serengeti in the past 40 years
An increase in 400%
How does rainfall vary each year
500-2000mm each year
What are the characteristics of soil
Up to 2 metres in depth
Similar to those in tropical rainforests - red and iron rich latersols - however reduced rainfall and weathering mean they are rich in silica and organic material. Long dry seasons lead to upward movement of water into the soil - evaporate - and this salinization
What does the productivity of the ecosystem depend on
vegetation cover and length of the dry season as it is less than half the tropical rainforests
How is growing population impacting the suvanna
Leading to overgrazing, overcultivation and deforestation for resources
What is desertification
Begins with the loss of vegitation cover (human activity or drought)
Less organic matter is incorporated into the soil and the soil is exposed to wind and water erosion. YThe bare surface is also “baked” by the sun - impermeable crust formed
Why is salinlisation happening in the suvanna
Poorly designed irrigation systems - Insufficient fresh water used. Causes salts to build up in the soil and evaporate to leave salt crusts which plants cant survive with
Why is population an increasing threat to the biome
more areas of land needed for cultivation - formally areas left for 7-15 years fallow (due to nomadic herders) to recover however increasing pressure means they farm the land when it has not fully recovered.
How can salinisation be fixed
Providing adaquate water andf drainage to flush out
How many people visit the Serengeti each year for tourism
100,000
What is the impact surrounding the park on the environment
High demand for land due to food resources needed to sustain tourism and the population surrounding the park. And areas to graze the livestock
What is the tribe pushed outside the Serengeti
The maassi
How many animals are sacrificed to the meat trade in the Serengeti
200,000
How many management staff are there for the Serengeti
180 - 80 to poaching, 35 administrators
How does the small management team impact the serengeti
too small to manage the whole areas and eliminate poaching
How many of the 100,000 toursits visiting the serengeti are tourists
2/3
what does economic growth come with in toursism
growth in hotels, roads to connect to hotels and airports –> disrupt the environment
How has the Serengeti been traditionally farmed
nomadic herders
What has been the impact of the removal of the herders from the game reserves
Both settlers and farmers are encroaching on the land in order to access resoruces
