The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions?
1. Burrowing animals and termites
2. Fire
3. Grazing herbivores
4. Seasonal rainfall
5. Soil properties
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. These conditions include fire, grazing herbivores, and seasonal rainfall. 2. Fire is a common occurrence in savannahs and it helps to maintain the grassland by burning out tree saplings. 3. Grazing herbivores also help to maintain the grassland by eating young tree saplings before they can grow into mature trees. 4. Seasonal rainfall also plays a role as it affects the growth of trees and grasses. 1. Burrowing animals and termites, while they do have an impact on the ecosystem, are not the primary factors controlling forest development. 5. Similarly, soil properties can affect the types of vegetation that can grow, but they are not the primary factors controlling forest development in savannahs. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) 2, 3 and 4. Savannah Climate:
- It is a transitional climate between equatorial rainforests and hot deserts. - It has wet and dry seasons like the monsoon climate but with much less rainfall. Unlike the monsoon climate, it lacks a distinct rainy season. - It has only two seasons—winter and summer, with rain occurring in summer. The savanna landscape features tall grasses and scattered short trees. - The savanna is called the ‘big game country’ because thousands of animals are hunted or trapped annually by people worldwide.