Biome Features: Tropical Grasslands
Geography: KS3, topic 15.1.7
Overview of Tropical Grasslands
Tropical grasslands are also known as savannas. The African savannas, the Ilanos of Colombia, and the Australian plains are examples of tropical grasslands.
Plants
- Most of the plants in tropical grasslands are grasses or small plants.
- Trees can live in tropical grasslands. The more rain there is in an area, the more trees that the tropical grasslands are able to support.
Animals
- Large mammals like antelope, lions, rhinos, and zebra live in the African savannas.
- In the Ilanos of Colombia, large cats like jaguars and pumas can survive.
- Lots of insects (beetles, grasshoppers, ants, termites, and mosquitos) live in tropical grasslands.
Soil
- In the dry season, the grass dies.
- This dead organic matter creates a thin soil that is very rich in nutrients.
- However, rainfall at the start of the wet season can wash these nutrients away.
Climate
- The tropical grasslands are found close to the equator. Because of this, tropical grasslands receive lots of sunshine and high temperatures of 20oC to 35oC.
- Annual rainfall is 600mm-900mm per year.
Test yourself on Biome Features: Tropical Grasslands
Which of the following animal species would you NOT expect to find in tropical grasslands?
Which of the following describes the climate in tropical grasslands?
How much rainfall do tropical grasslands receive annually?