Biomes of South Africa

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the biomes of South Africa, their characteristics, and ecological significance.

Biome

Groupings of plants and animals characterized by distinctive climates and vegetation types.

Fynbos

A unique plant community in the Cape Floristic Region, rich in plant diversity and endemism.

Savanna

A biome characterized by a grassy ground layer and scattered trees, typically found in warm climates.

Desert

A biome characterized by extreme aridity and minimal vegetation, often dominated by annual plants.

Grassland

A biome dominated by grasses, found primarily in areas with moderate rainfall and frequent fires.

Succulent Karoo

A biome featuring succulent plants adapted to arid conditions, with low winter rainfall.

Thicket

A closed shrubland with dense vegetation, often difficult to penetrate, and composed of evergreen plants.

Forests

Biomes characterized by a continuous canopy of trees, often with diverse understorey vegetation.

Nama Karoo

A biome characterized by grassy dwarf shrubland, found on the central plateau of South Africa.

Scarp Forest

Species-rich, structurally diverse forests located at elevations between 50 and 600 meters.