When It Comes to Conservation, Tropical Grasslands Have an Identity Problem [Slide Show]
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Tropical grassy ecosystems can vary enormously in tree cover. This open grassland of the Serengeti National Park has very few trees. Credit: C. L. Parr
This eucalyptus savanna in Australia, however, is much more wooded but still has extensive grass coverage. Credit: C. L. Parr / Trends in Ecology & Evolution
Fire is a frequent and widespread natural disturbance in tropical grassy biomes. This Australian savanna burns yearly; the plants that thrive here are adapted to this regular fiery cycle. Credit: C. L. Parr
This savanna, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, is part of a long-term experiment in the effects of burning. Annual burns result in an open savanna… Credit: C. L. Parr
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…while fire suppression for over half a century has led to an increase in tree cover. Credit: C. L. Parr
Brazil’s Cerrado has a wide range of endemic flora but is now threatened by fire suppression and agriculture. Credit: A. N. Andersen
The diversity of forbs (nonherbaceous plants) in tropical grassy ecosystems is especially high. These are from grasslands in South Africa. Credit: E. C. February and C. L. Parr / Trends in Ecology & Evolution
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