What is the Difference Between Grassland and Savanna?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Grasslands and savannas are both ecosystems characterized by vast expanses of grasses, but they differ in several aspects, such as the presence of trees, climate, and the types of wildlife they support. Here are the main differences between grasslands and savannas:
- Presence of Trees: Grasslands are defined by their lack of trees and dense concentrations of grass, whereas savannas feature scattered trees and shrubs.
- Climate: Savannas typically have a more tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, while grasslands can be found in both tropical and temperate regions. Grasslands experience two distinct seasons with significant temperature variations, ranging from above 140 degrees Fahrenheit in summer to below zero in winter.
- Wildlife: Both savannas and grasslands support diverse wildlife, including large grazing animals such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes in savannas, and bison and pronghorns in grasslands. However, savannas tend to have a greater diversity of wildlife, including predators such as lions and hyenas, while grasslands are often home to large herds of grazing animals.
- Soil: The soil in grasslands is usually dark brown and very fertile, with plants having long roots that reach deep underground to survive the temperature variations.
In summary, the main differences between grasslands and savannas lie in the presence of trees, climate, and the types of wildlife they support. While both ecosystems are dominated by grasses, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Comparative Table: Grassland vs Savanna
Here is a table comparing the differences between grassland and savanna:
| Feature | Grassland | Savanna |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A large landmass dominated by grass, with few or no trees | A type of grassland found in tropical regions, with scattered trees and shrubs |
| Trees | No trees or very rare presence of trees | Scattered trees and shrubs, but not dense enough to form a canopy |
| Climate | Temperate grasslands experience seasonal changes, with hot summers and cold winters | Tropical savannas have distinct wet and dry seasons |
| Rainfall | Grasslands usually receive less rainfall than savannas | Savannas generally receive more rainfall than grasslands, but not enough for a dense tree canopy |
| Wildlife | Grasslands are home to grazing animals such as bison and pronghorns | Savannas support diverse wildlife, including large grazing animals like zebras, giraffes, and antelopes |
| Types | Grasslands can be further classified into temperate grasslands and savannas | Savannas are a specific type of grassland found in tropical regions |
In summary, while both grasslands and savannas are dominated by grasses, savannas have scattered trees and shrubs, a more tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, and receive more rainfall than grasslands. Grasslands, on the other hand, have no trees or a very rare presence of trees, and are home to different types of wildlife.
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