Chapter 24: Problem 6

Under what climate conditions do you find tropical savanna ecosystems?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The main climate conditions for tropical savanna ecosystems include a distinct wet and dry season, warm temperatures throughout the year (20°C to 35°C), annual rainfall ranging from 75 to 150 centimeters, and varying levels of humidity depending on the season (30% to 80%).

Step by step solution

Introduction to Tropical Savanna Ecosystems

Tropical savannas are terrestrial biomes that mainly consist of grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs. They are mainly found in regions close to the equator. These ecosystems are characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, as well as a diverse range of animal and plant species adapted to the varying climatic conditions.

Main Climate Conditions for Tropical Savannas

There are two major climate conditions that are typically associated with tropical savannas: a distinct wet season and a distinct dry season. The wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall and typically lasts for about six months, while the dry season is marked by little to no rainfall and can also last for about six months.

Temperature Range

Tropical savanna ecosystems generally experience high temperatures throughout the year, ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). These warm temperatures are due to their proximity to the equator, where the sun is almost directly overhead for most of the year.

Rainfall Patterns

In tropical savannas, rainfall plays a critical role in shaping the environment. The annual rainfall in tropical savannas typically ranges from 75 to 150 centimeters (30 to 60 inches), with the majority of the precipitation falling during the wet season. This seasonal variation in rainfall results in the alternation of lush green vegetation during the wet season and significant drying of the landscape during the dry season.

Humidity

Tropical savannas experience varying levels of humidity throughout the year. The humidity is usually high during the wet season, with relative humidity ranging from 60% to 80%, due to the abundance of moisture from the heavy rainfall. During the dry season, the humidity levels can drop significantly as the landscape dries out, leading to relatively lower humidity levels of around 30% to 50%.

Conclusion: Tropical Savanna Climate Conditions

In conclusion, the main climate conditions for tropical savanna ecosystems include a distinct wet and dry season, warm temperatures throughout the year (20°C to 35°C), annual rainfall ranging from 75 to 150 centimeters, and varying levels of humidity depending on the season (30% to 80%). These conditions provide the necessary environment for the diverse plant and animal species that are found in tropical savannas.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Under what climate conditions do you find tropical savanna ecosystems?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Tropical Savanna Ecosystems

Main Climate Conditions for Tropical Savannas

Temperature Range

Rainfall Patterns

Humidity

Conclusion: Tropical Savanna Climate Conditions

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Physical Environment

Environmental Research

Energy Resources

Living Environment

Sustainability

Ecology Research

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.