Question
Q61. The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions?
1. Burrowing animals and termites
2. Fire
3. Grazing herbivores
4. Seasonal rainfall
5. Soil properties
select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 2
B. 4 and 5
C. 2, 3 and 4
D. 1, 3 and 5
Answer: C
Detailed Explanation
The development of forests in savanna regions is generally kept in check by:
- Fire (2): Frequent fires prevent the establishment and growth of trees and maintain the grassland character of savannas.
- Grazing herbivores (3): Grazing and browsing by herbivores (such as antelope, cattle, and elephants) suppress tree seedlings and favor grasses.
- Seasonal rainfall (4): The marked seasonality and limited total rainfall in savannas restrict the growth of dense forests and favor grassland with scattered trees.
Soil properties and burrowing animals/termites can influence vegetation, but the main factors that consistently prevent forest development and maintain savanna are fire, grazing herbivores, and seasonal rainfall, as supported by ecological studies
