Presented By · 2020. 8. 14. · grow far apart, and in others, there are more trees that can grow quiet close together. There are different types of savannah, with many different

Presented By: Miss.N.Naidoo

Pitlochry Primary School Educator

LESSON 15

GEOGRAPHY

GRADE 5

We will be focusing on

Natural Vegetation

Instructions

Read through the following and answer all questions in full

sentences on an exam pad page.

Natural vegetation

Natural vegetation refers to plants that have grown in a place without interference

from people. These plants have adapted to the soil type, temperature and the

amount of rainfall in that area. Natural vegetation does not need to be watered by

anyone. These plants grow in this area because they can live with as much or as

little rain that the climate provides. They are a group of plants that have similar

needs. Natural vegetation is often indigenous vegetation. This means the plants

have been growing in the area for a long time.

A hot house is not a natural environment. A hot house is heated and the plants are

watered often. A hot house is also a building that has been built so that plants can

grow at all times of the year. A hot house is also sometimes called a green house.

How is natural vegetation linked to climate?

The eight climatic regions in South Africa are linked to the temperature and rainfall

distribution.

Natural vegetation regions in the country are also linked to climatic regions, but

not as closely. If you look at the natural vegetation map of South Africa you will see

that the Mediterranean climate and the fynbos vegetation regions cover almost the

same area. The savannah vegetation region covers the subtropical coast, subtropical

low veld and semi-arid plateau. The type of soil and the climate also affects where

these plants grow.

Natural vegetation in South Africa

Quiver trees store water in their trunks and leaves. They are found in the Nama and Succulent Karoo regions.

Baobab trees have shiny bark that reflects the sun to stay cool and long roots to find water. They are found in savannah regions. They are sometimes called the upside down tree. They grow in places where the summers are wet and the winters are dry and warm. Baobabs store water in their trunks, which help them survive dry conditions. They also shed their leaves in winter

Protea plants have small hairy leaves so they do not lose water. They are found in fynbos regions. It is a plant that needs rain in winter. It is a tough plant and is able to survive long, hot summers and strong winds. Wet winters and dry, hot summers occur in the south western part of South Africa. In these areas plants like the protea grow naturally.

Plants and different climates

Few plants grow in the very dry area of the Karoo, where there is very little rainfall. Many of the plants that grow here are succulents. They have thick, juicy leaves, stems or roots that allow them to store water. This helps them to survive in the very dry climate. An example of a succulent is the aloe.

Grasslands are high-lying areas where there are a few trees and mostly different types of grass. These areas receive summer rain which allows the grasses to grow tall. The grasses are green in summer and turn brown in winter. The tall grasses provide good grazing for cattle and wild animals. The grasses grow every year with the beginning of the spring rain.

Forests grow well in areas that are warm and wet all year round. All the water allows trees to grow tall and close together. The Tsitsikamma Forest near Knysna in the Eastern Cape is the large natural forest in South Africa

Activity 1

1. Read the description of South African plants below and on the previous pages.

Match each plant in the first column with its description in the second column.

2. Are any of the above plants found in your area?

Plant Description

A. Aloes 1. Grow tall after the summer rain comes.

B. Proteas 2. Are able to grow tall because they receive plenty of rain throughout the year.

C. Grasses 3. Survive dry climate by storing water in their leaves.

D. Forest trees 4. Survive dry climate by storing water in their trunks.

E. Baobab trees 5. Survive hot, dry summers, but need winter rain.

Activity 2 – read the following case study and answer the questions that follow.

Case study- Savannah grasslands

Different types and areas of vegetation have different names. One type of vegetation is called savannah. A savannah is a grassland area that has trees and other smaller bushes. Savannahs occur on lower areas of land than other grasslands do. In some savannahs, the trees grow far apart, and in others, there are more trees that can grow quiet close together. There are different types of savannah, with many different types of landscape and vegetation.

The main types of savannah in South Africa are those:- Where the grasses are not eaten by animals, so there are a few animals in the area.- Where the grasses are eaten by animals so there are many animals in the area.Almost a third of South Africa is covered by savannah vegetation. The savannah is warm throughout the year. It usually receives rainfall during summer, and has warm, dry winters. The wet summer season provides just enough rain to allow grasses to grow well in moister areas and not to be overpowered by trees. The tall grasses provide good food for grass eating animals such as the springbok, buffalo and wildebeest. Fire outbreaks on the savannahs are common. However, almost all the plants and grasses that grow here are able to survive fires, even when they have been badly burnt. For example, some plants are able to store water and nutrients in their roots. When fires burn the stems, the food and water stored underground allow the plant to grow again. Some trees also have thick bark to protect them from being permanently damaged by fires. Acacia trees are found in savannahs. They have long tap roots that can find water deep underground. This helps them survive drought conditions. Acacias also sharp thorns for protection, the thorns prevent many animals from eating their leaves. Only certain animals, such as the giraffes, are able to eat branches that have thorns. Because savannahs have many different kinds of plants, they can support many different kinds of animals. For example, savannahs are home to animals that feed on plants and trees, such as giraffes, rhinos, elephants, zebras and many types of antelope. Then there are animals that eat these plant eaters, such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas. There are also numerous kinds of insects and birds.

1. What kind of climate do savannahs have?

2. How is a savannah different to a forest?

3. Draw a simple picture of a savannah area.

4. Give an example of one savannah plant and explain how it is able to

survive.

5. Name three animals that live in the savannah.

Activity 3- complete the following sentences.

1. The largest vegetation area in South Africa is _________________________.

2. Proteas belong to the ___________________vegetation region.

3. Every spring new grass grow in the _______________area.

4. Forests need _____________ and _______________ to grow all year round.

5. One of the ways desert plants can live in the dry climate is ______________.

Activity 4

1. Identify the following kinds of plants in

the photo of the Kruger National Park.

- trees, bushes and grass.

2. What animal can you see in the photo?

3. What plants do you think this animal eats?

4. Name two wildlife parks in the savannah grasslands area of South Africa. Use the

map on the next page to help you.

5. Rainfall affects the vegetation in the savannah grasslands.

Explain the importance of rainfall to the kinds of plants that grow.

The Kruger National Park is in the Savannah grasslands

Savannah grasslands vegetation includes trees, shrubs and grasses

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