Savanna vs. Grassland — What's the Difference?

Influenced by a seasonal pattern of rainfall.

An area predominantly covered by grasses, which may be temperate or tropical.

Home to a diverse range of large herbivores.

Can have varying moisture levels, from moist to semi-arid.

Found mainly in regions with a warm climate near the equator.

Less tree growth compared to savannas.

Flora and fauna are adapted to periodic fires.

Vegetation primarily consists of grasses.

A tropical ecosystem characterized by grasses interspersed with scattered trees.

Supports herbivores that feed mostly on grass.

A savanna or savannah is a mixed woodland-grassland ecosystem characterised by the trees being sufficiently widely spaced so that the canopy does not close. The open canopy allows sufficient light to reach the ground to support an unbroken herbaceous layer consisting primarily of grasses.Savannas maintain an open canopy despite a high tree density.

Grasslands are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses (Poaceae). However, sedge (Cyperaceae) and rush (Juncaceae) can also be found along with variable proportions of legumes, like clover, and other herbs.

A grassland with scattered tree growth, especially in a tropical or subtropical region.

An area, such as a prairie or meadow, of grass or grasslike vegetation.

A tropical grassland with scattered trees

An area dominated by grass or grasslike vegetation.

A tract of level land covered with the vegetable growth usually found in a damp soil and warm climate, - as grass or reeds, - but destitute of trees.

Land where grass or grasslike vegetation grows and is the dominant form of plant life

A flat grassland in tropical or subtropical regions

A savanna is defined by a mixture of grasses and scattered trees, adapted to a tropical climate with seasonal rainfall.

Typically, savannas are tropical; however, similar ecosystems with scattered trees can be found in subtropical regions.

Fires help maintain savanna ecosystems by preventing tree overgrowth and encouraging new grass growth.

In savannas, fire management focuses on balancing tree and grass growth to support diverse fauna, whereas in grasslands, it is often used to maintain the dominance of grass species over invasive shrubs.

Grasslands can thrive in both temperate and tropical climates, with varying moisture conditions.

Savannas are primarily found in Africa, South America, and Australia, while grasslands are present on every continent except Antarctica.

Grasslands primarily consist of grasses with few or no trees, unlike savannas which include scattered trees.

Savannas host a wider variety of large herbivores, including unique species like elephants and giraffes, whereas grassland wildlife often includes animals such as bison and pronghorn that are adapted to open, treeless environments.

In savannas, seasonal rainfall is crucial for supporting the mix of tree and grass life, while grasslands may receive less, more evenly distributed rainfall, influencing the types of grasses that can thrive.

Savanna soils can be less fertile due to leaching from heavy rains, while grassland soils, particularly in temperate regions, are often rich and suitable for agriculture.