1. Tropical Grassland -Savanna-

2. Climate Savannas have two distinct seasons There is a rainy season in the summer with around 15 to 25 inches of rain Dry season in the winter when only a couple of inches of rain may fall.

3. Seasonal Changes Wet 4-5 months Heavy convectional storms 80% total annual rainfall Dry Strong, steady “trade winds” Dry and warm as they blow towards equator

4. Soil Fertility Sandy, dusty, high iron content (reddish color) Not very rich Termites turn the soil to air it Dead plant matter can’t decompose in dry season

5. Animal Life and Adaptations Form herds and colonies for protection Care for young Lookout for predators Meekrat- Nigriceps Ant

6. Animal Life and Adaptations Grazing herbivores adopt migratory lifestyles Long legs, wings African Elephant Grant’s Zebra

7. Plant Life and Adaptations Fire Breakouts Thick, fire resistant bark Buds in bark sprout after fires Seeds that germinate in ashes Bottle trees

8. Plant Life and Adaptations Water “droughts” for most of the year River Bushwillow tree

9. Plant Life and Adaptations When Water is Scarce Long roots extending far underground (Taproot system) Corkscrew-shaped awns Red Oat Grass

10. Plant Life and Adaptations Defense Thorns and leathery, sharp leaves for protection Toxic chemicals Elephant Grass Whistling Thorn tree

12. The Circle of Life Wet Season Dry Season Animal adaptations