AFRICA’S BIOMES

temperature

precipitation

3. Desert

3. Desert

2. Savanna

2. Savanna

4. Grassland

5. Mediterranean

5. Mediterranean

1. Rainforest

Africa’s five biomes

1. Tropical RainforestDense tall evergreen forest. Typical plants include strangler figs and tree

ferns. Typical animals include snakes and birds. Mild frost-free winters and summers with year-

round rain.

http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/biomes/

1. Rainforest

Africa’s five biomes

2. SavannahThorny forest, woodlands, or scattered trees,

many of which loose leaves during the dry season.

Typical plants include acacias and grasses. Typical animals include giraffes and elephants.

Warm frost-free winters, hot usually-wet summers, and a pronounced dry season.

Fire and grazing are important vegetation-forming processes.

http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/biomes/

2. Savanna

2. Savanna

8. DesertSparse drought-resistant vegetation, typically spiny

and with tiny leaves and photosynthetic bark. Typical plants include cactuses, acacias and short-

lived annuals. Typical animals include reptiles and ground-dwelling

rodents. Precipitation low (less than 250 mm/yr) and

evapotransporation high (more than 250 mm/yr). Temperature generally high. Fires generally are rare due to low biomass.

3. Desert

3. Desert

4. Temperate grassland

5. MediterraneanSparse to dense woody vegetation of low trees

and shrubs, typically with very thick, tough evergreen leaves.

Typical plants are xerophytes include oaks, proteas, low pines, and junipers.

Typical animals include birds and reptiles.

http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/biomes/

http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Antevs/biomes/

5. Mediterranean

5. Mediterranean

Summer – dryWinter - rain