The word savanna comes from a Panamanian word for prairie or plains. They are covered with tall grasses. They may have scattered bushes and trees, but not enough to keep grasses from growing. The most common definition of savanna is the tropical grassland, such as in Africa. They have seasonal rains and dry periods. All savanna plants and trees can survive periods of drought. Most savannas get enough rain to support the forest, but the forest never happens because something keeps the trees from growing. This can be animals that graze and knock over trees (like elephants in Africa), or fires that kill most kinds of trees. Instead there is lots of grasses and other plants that can regrow from the roots.
Savanna
Questions and Answers
Q: Where does the word savanna come from?
A: The word savanna comes from a Panamanian word for prairie or plains.
Q: What are savannas covered with?
A: Savannas are covered with tall grasses.
Q: Are there trees in savannas?
A: Savannas may have scattered bushes and trees, but not enough to keep grasses from growing.
Q: What is the most common definition of savanna?
A: The most common definition of savanna is the tropical grassland, such as in Africa.
Q: Do savanna plants and trees survive periods of drought?
A: Yes, all savanna plants and trees can survive periods of drought.
Q: Do most savannas get enough rain to support the forest?
A: Yes, most savannas get enough rain to support the forest, but the forest never happens because something keeps the trees from growing.
Q: Why does the forest never happen in savannas?
A: The forest never happens in savannas because something keeps the trees from growing, such as animals that graze and knock over trees or fires that kill most kinds of trees. Instead, there is lots of grasses and other plants that can regrow from the roots.