Page 195 - Super Earth Encyclopedia

TROPICAL

GRASSLAND

SAVANNA

Many tropical regions are too dry to allow the growth
of dense forests, and instead they develop into grassy
savannas. Some have a lot of trees, but drier savannas
are seas of grass with just a few scattered trees. In Africa,
these grasslands support huge herds of grazing animals.
The grass withers and often burns in the tropical dry
season, forcing the animals to migrate in search of
food. But the return of the rainy season makes the
grass sprout again, and the grazing herds return.

AROUND THE WORLD

Savanna grasslands occur in the
tropics, close to the equator but
away from the high-rainfall zones NORTH EUROPE ASIA
that support tropical rainforests. AMERICA
These grassy plains with scattered, AFRICA
drought-resistant trees such as Equator India
acacia and baobab are most
extensive in Africa, but savannas SOUTH AUSTRALASIA
also occur in South America, parts AMERICA
of India, and northern Australia.

NO HIDING PLACE
The animals that graze the
African savannas are hunted
by powerful predators such
as this lion. Since there is
nowhere to hide on the open
plains, most of the grazing
animals have evolved the
ability to run fast to escape
their enemies. But many
hunters can also run fast,
and they may also use LIVING EARTH
stealth tactics to creep up
on their prey and spring
a surprise attack.
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