Answer:
c) Characteristics of Savanna Vegetation:
1. **Grass Dominance:** Savannas are characterized by a predominance of grasses as the primary vegetation type. These grasses are adapted to fire and grazing, with a tendency to grow in tufts or clumps.
2. **Sparse Tree Cover:** While savannas have scattered trees, the tree density is lower compared to forests. Trees tend to be well spaced to avoid competition for resources and to facilitate grass growth.
3. **Seasonal Rainfall:** Savannas experience distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, grasses flourish, and many trees grow new leaves. In the dry season, grasses become dormant, and trees may lose leaves to conserve water.
4. **Fire Adaptations:** Frequent fires are common in savannas due to the presence of dry grasses and lightning strikes. Many savanna plants have fire-resistant adaptations, such as thick bark and underground root systems, that allow them to survive and resprout after fires.
5. **Biodiversity:** Savannas are home to a diverse array of wildlife adapted to the seasonal changes. Large herbivores like elephants and zebras are common, as well as predators like lions and cheetahs.
6. **Nutrient Cycling:** Savannas often have nutrient-poor soils. However, their ecosystem relies on a complex cycle where nutrients are recycled efficiently, with decomposing plant material contributing to soil fertility.
7. **Human Influence:** Many savannas have been shaped by human activities such as agriculture and grazing. Traditional land management practices like controlled burning have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries.
8. **Transition Zones:** Savannas can transition into other ecosystems, like forests or deserts, depending on factors such as rainfall and soil type. These transition zones often have a mix of savanna and other vegetation types.
d) Planning a Field Study in a Forest:
i) Reasons to Seek Permission from School Administration:
1. **Safety:** Informing the administration ensures that appropriate safety measures are in place for the students during the field study, reducing risks of accidents or injuries.
2. **Logistics:** Seeking permission allows the administration to support logistics such as transportation, scheduling, and any required equipment or resources.
3. **Liability and Insurance:** Permission provides a legal framework in case of any unexpected incidents, protecting both the students and the school from potential liabilities.
4. **Supervision:** Administration involvement ensures that the field study is adequately supervised by responsible adults, maintaining discipline and adherence to guidelines.
ii) Sources of Information Before the Actual Field Study:
1. **Scientific Literature:** Research articles, books, and reports about the specific forest ecosystem you're studying can provide valuable background information.
2. **Local Experts:** Consulting with botanists, ecologists, or professionals familiar with the specific forest can offer insights into the ecosystem, its characteristics, and challenges.
3. **Online Resources:** Websites of conservation organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions often have data, maps, and resources related to the forest's flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
Remember to tailor your sources to the specific forest ecosystem you're studying and ensure that information is up-to-date and reliable.
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