SAVANNAH Meaning and
Definition
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Savannah is a noun that refers to a large, flat grassland with scattered trees or bushes, typically found in tropical or subtropical regions. It is characterized by a distinct ecological balance, where grasses dominate the landscape and provide ample grazing resources for large herbivores like zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests. In these open habitats, one can often spot various species of insects, birds, and small mammals, which are adapted to this unique environment.
The vegetation of a savannah is comprised of a diverse assemblage of grasses and a sparse scattering of trees. These trees are often referred to as "savannah trees" and include species such as acacias and baobabs, which possess adaptations like long taproots to access deep water sources and hardy, thick bark to survive periodic wildfires.
The climate of a savannah is typically characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Rainfall is seasonally concentrated, leading to periods of lush greenery followed by dry spells. The annual precipitation is usually not abundant enough to sustain a dense forest, but the periodic fires that occur help to maintain the open grassland and limit the encroachment of shrubs and trees.
Savannahs are globally distributed, with notable examples in Africa, South America, Australia, and India. These regions offer varying sizes of savannah ecosystems, each with their unique array of species that have adapted to the challenging and dynamic environment of the savannah. Overall, savannahs play a critical ecological role by supporting diverse wildlife and vegetation, and they are often regarded as essential ecosystems for conservation and biodiversity preservation efforts.
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The great central plain of N. Amer.; any very large grassy plain or natural meadow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of SAVANNAH
The word "savannah" is derived from the Taino (Arawakan) language spoken by the indigenous Arawak people of the Caribbean. The Taino word "zabana" referred to a treeless, grassy plain or meadow. This term was later adopted by English and other European languages, with the spelling and pronunciation modified to "savannah". The word ultimately made its way into the English language through Spanish explorers and colonizers who encountered and interacted with the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Similar spelling words for SAVANNAH
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