Tropical+Grassland+Plant+Adaptations

(Back to Home Page) = Tropical Grasslands Plant Adaptations = Savannas are scattered with many types of grasses and the occasional tree. They receive 20-50 inches of rain per year, usually concentrated into 6-8 months. After the wet season, however, savannas experience drought, which is when fires can occur (D1). These fires make room for newer tufts of grass, reserving the lush grasses of the savanna (D2).

Since savannas have wet seasons followed by drought, plants go through their own ways.

The Baobab tree, one of the most trees in the tropical grasslands, survives these droughts by storing water in its thick trunk. Additionally, to conserve water, the Baobab tree only grows its small-sized leaves during the wet season. By having a thick trunk covered with thick, corky bark and small leaves that minimize transpiration, Baobab trees can survive the drought season of the savannas (D3). (D4)

Another popular tree, the acacia tree, has long roots to tap into the water reserves deep into the ground. Although it cannot resists fire as easily as the Baobab tree, its long roots are protected from the fire, allowing it to easily grow back (D4). (D3)

Grasses go dormant during the dry season. They grow quickly and efficiently during the wet season (D3). This allows the many types of grasses to flourish and prosper in the prolonged dry season of the savanna. (D4)

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