Savannas came about with the decrease in precipitation and the appearance of grasses in areas of the tropics. Evidence shows that the rich vegetation seen in modern savannas also existed in the past during the Miocene Epoch (20 million years ago). As climate began to change during this period, precipitation occurred less often and this had a direct effect on the vegetation. Because of this climate change, savannas emerged differently depending on the region they were in. Moreover, savannas vary in their nature according to region as a direct result of human impact and expansion. Hence, these factors led to animals and plants having to adapt to the new environment and therefore evolving to the new dry habitat.
In the Serengeti, the area used to be uninhabited for hundreds of years until the Massai tribe arrived in the region. Following the Massai, professional hunters began arriving in the 1900s. News of the plentiful wildlife eventually reached other parts of the world, leading to the depletion of lions and other animals. This led to the establishment of gaming reserves and national parks. The Serengeti is known for its variety of wild life (zebras, lions, giraffes, etc.), numerous plants/trees (acacia trees), seasons of rainfall, and naturally occurring fires.
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http://assets.knowledge.allianz.com/img/savannah_grassland_africa_shutterstock_q_49550.jpg
 http://explore.org/photos/163/tanzania-maasai-tribe |
11/16/2012
Historical State
