Savanna

grassland · ecosystem · Africa · wildlife

Grass and trees. A savanna is a mix of grassland and woodland, with trees spaced so far apart that their tops never touch. This lets lots of sunlight reach the ground to grow a thick carpet of grass.

Four flavors. Scientists describe four types of savanna: savanna woodland, tree savanna, shrub savanna, and grass savanna. They differ by how many trees and shrubs grow there.

Open and bright. Because the leafy canopy never closes overhead, plenty of light pours down. That's why grasses can grow in an unbroken layer across the land.

Animal home. The wide-open spaces and grasses make savannas perfect for grazing animals and the predators that follow them.