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How are wet savannas different from dry savannas?
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Savanna
A savanna marked with acacia trees in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Africa's Serengeti Plain is commonly used as an example of the savanna biome—a hot, seasonally dry ecological region characterized by an open tree canopy (i.e., scattered trees) above an understory of continuous grasses.
The primary distinction between wet and dry savannas is the duration of the dry season, which dictates the environmental conditions and vegetation patterns of the region.1
- Wet Savannas: These regions experience a shorter dry season, typically lasting between 3 and 5 months.1
- Dry Savannas: These regions are characterized by a more prolonged dry season, which typically lasts between 5 and 7 months.1
While all savannas are defined by alternating wet and dry seasons and a continuous grass cover, the length of the dry period significantly influences the ecosystem's structure. In general, the tree component of a savanna becomes more prominent as rainfall increases and the dry season shortens. Conversely, in drier areas, soil factors—such as sandy soil that dries out quickly—often favor a grass-rich landscape with fewer trees.12