UPSC 2021EnvironmentModerate

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
Correct Answer
D
1, 3 and 5

Explanation

The correct option (2, 3, and 4) is right because fire, grazing by large herbivores, and distinct seasonal rainfall are the primary ecological drivers that suppress tree seedlings and prevent savannahs from transitioning into closed-canopy forests. While burrowing animals and soil properties (Options 1 and 5) influence the ecosystem, they are not considered dominant limiting factors that keep forest development in check on a landscape scale. The core concept being tested is the **limiting factors of the Savannah biome**, specifically the "disturbances" that maintain the delicate balance between grasses and woody vegetation.

EcologySavannah Ecosystem CharacteristicsSavannahgrasslandscattered small treesforest developmentfiregrazing herbivoresseasonal rainfallsoil properties

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