Climatically, these biomes are characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures are hot all year long. The savanna biome constitutes extensive areas in eastern Africa, South America, and Australia. Tree and shrub species in the savanna usually shed their leaves during the dry season. This adaptation reduces water loss from the plants.
New leaves appear several weeks before the start of the rain season.
Scientists believe that savanna plant species may have developed this strategy to take advantage of the season variance of the start of the rains. Zebras are a common grazer of the African savanna. Savannas are also home to a number of predator species who prey on grazing animals. The soils are more nutrient rich than tropical forest soils. Some soils become extremely dry because of evaporation and form laterite layers.