Pronunciation: [savˈɑːnə] (IPA) 
The word "Savana" is spelled with two a's because it originates from the Spanish and Portuguese word "sabana". The IPA transcription for Savana is /səˈvɑːnə/, indicating that the first vowel sound is an unstressed schwa (/ə/) followed by a stressed 'a' sound (/ɑː/). The last syllable ends with an unstressed 'n' sound (/ə/). Savana is usually used to describe a flat, grassy plain with few trees, typically found in Africa or South America.
Savanna, also spelled savannah, refers to a type of grassland ecosystem characterized by sparse tree cover and abundant grasses. It is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions with a pronounced dry season. The word "savanna" is derived from the Taino word zavana, meaning "treeless plain."
A typical savanna landscape consists of large expanses of grasses punctuated by isolated trees or small groves. These trees are often deciduous, losing their leaves during the dry season to conserve water. The grasses in the savanna are usually tall with wide leaves, adapted to withstand drought and periodic fires.
Savannas occur in diverse regions around the world, such as parts of Africa, South America, Australia, and India. They are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large herbivores like elephants, giraffes, and zebras, as well as predators like lions and cheetahs. The open nature of the savanna allows for visibility and ease of movement for these animals.
Due to their moderate rainfall and fertile soils, savannas are often used for agriculture and pastoral activities. However, excessive land use and climate change have led to the degradation and loss of savanna habitats, posing a threat to both the flora and fauna that rely on this unique ecosystem.
In summary, a savanna is a vegetation type characterized by grasslands with scattered trees, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions with a dry season. It supports a diverse array of wildlife and provides important ecological services, but faces threats from human activities.
The word "savana" (also spelled "savanna" or "savannah") has its origins in the Taino language, which was spoken by the indigenous people inhabiting the Caribbean islands before Christopher Columbus arrived. In Taino, the word "zabana" referred to a grassy, treeless plain or open ground. This term was later adopted by the Spanish explorers who encountered similar landscapes in South America, where the word gradually evolved into "sabana". As European exploration and colonization expanded, the word further transformed into "savanna" in English, while retaining its original meaning of a grassland ecosystem with scattered trees.
