Savanna Ecosystem Quiz

A grassland ecosystem with scattered trees, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.

Animals that eat plants, such as elephants, zebras, and giraffes.

Animals that eat other animals, such as lions, leopards, and hyenas.

The destruction of land due to excessive rainfall or human activities like overgrazing.

The process of turning fertile land into desert due to drought, overgrazing, and other factors.

The savanna experiences high temperatures during summer, due to the lower density of trees compared to rainforests, leading to less shade.

The transition zone between tropical rainforests and hot deserts, experiencing a distinct change in vegetation and rainfall.

Varied summer rainfall determines different types of savanna, categorized based on the density and type of grasses and trees.

The difference between the highest and lowest temperatures throughout the year is significant, creating a wide annual temperature range.

Temperate grasslands in Africa, found in both northern and southern regions.

The region with temperate grasslands in southern Africa, located between latitudes 24° and 32° South.

Characterized by low and variable rainfall throughout the year, affecting plant, animal, and human life.

The dominant plants in temperate grasslands, adapting to lower rainfall.

Dark brown or black clay soil found in temperate grasslands, rich in organic matter and minerals.

Vast, flat areas of grass with few trees, naturally suited for grazing animals like sheep, goats, cattle, and horses.

Human activities like farming and grazing can severely harm Steppes by destroying their natural balance.

Converting vast areas into farmland for crops reduces the space available for natural grasslands.

Overgrazing by too many livestock can damage the grasses and soil, harming the ecosystem and the animals that depend on it.

Wildfires, often caused by human activities, can quickly destroy large areas of grasslands, damaging the delicate ecosystem.

A region with extremely low rainfall, sparse vegetation, and limited wildlife. They are known for their dryness, minimal precipitation, and large temperature swings between day and night.

Located between the 18th and 30th parallels north and south, these deserts experience extreme temperatures and little rainfall.

The largest hot desert in the world, it spans across northern Africa.

Hot deserts experience significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day and year. Summer days are scorching, exceeding 40°C, while nights cool down to around 25°C. During winter, days are warm, nights are cool, and temperatures can drop to 0°C in inland areas.

Rainfall in hot deserts is infrequent and often evaporates before reaching the ground. When rain does occur, it can cause flash floods.

Plants in deserts have evolved special features to survive in arid conditions, like deep roots for water access, small leaves to reduce water loss, and water storage in their stems.

The soil in deserts is typically poor and lacks nutrients due to lack of organic matter. It's often gravelly or sandy.

Acacia trees, cacti, and prickly pears are some well-known plants that thrive in deserts, adapted to survive harsh conditions.

Deserts play a vital role in the environment and economy, offering resources like minerals, grazing lands, and opportunities for solar energy generation.

Animals in deserts have adaptations to survive the heat and lack of water, such as camels with their ability to store water and wolves with their efficient water intake.

Over-hunting of animals in hot deserts can lead to a decrease in their population and even extinction.

Droughts in hot deserts can cause a shortage of food for animals, leading to starvation and threats to their survival.

The African desert lark is a bird species that lives in the Sahara Desert and is vulnerable to threats like overhunting and drought.

The Egyptian gazelle, a desert animal, faces threats to its survival due to factors like overhunting and drought leading to food scarcity.

Threats like overhunting and drought can disrupt the natural balance of hot desert ecosystems, impacting the survival of various species.