biomes and ecosystems

large region of the earth that has a specific climate along with distinct types of plants and animals adapted to that environment

fynbos forest savanna grassland desert succulent karoo nama karoo

a biome is a wide region with similar climate and dominant life forms, while an ecosystem is a smaller area within a biome where living organisms interact with each other and their environment

another word for a grassland

bushveld

altitude longitude moisture

where altitude, longitude and moisture overlap

to get new grass shoots for their livestock, stopping the growth of trees

fires play a role in maintaining the health and balance of grassland ecosystems

breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition

the breakdown of rocks and minerals by living organisms

the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions

the cold Benguela Sea current

it causes a cloud of fog that covers the coastal area over a 50km wide strip. no perennial rivers or lakes are found in this area. the tropical sun has caused this area to become drier and drier through the years.

stores water in fleshy stems, leaves and/or roots. thick cuticle leaves are thorns or spikes to restrict transpiration stems photosynthesize

leaves are small to decrease the total evaporation surface usually survive dry seasons underground as bulbs or corms that can also store water

very short and brief lifespan seeds germinate, plants grow and produce in the short period after a good rainfall survive dry conditions

a plant adapted to conditions of drought or seasonal water scarcity

have the ability to grow in water or swampy conditions

adapted to average conditions of sufficient water, with water stress only at times, because of too little or too much.

cope with environmental changes make use of resources protect themself reproduce.

when the rivers are in flood after good rains they take along large quantities of sand.

small leaves are the biggest part of the vegetation

summers are dry with strong winds and winters are cold (snow can occur) with heavy rainfall