MoCA History Practice Test

The climate characteristic that defines a savanna is its pattern of seasonal rainfall combined with distinct dry periods, particularly in the winter months. Savannas are typically found in regions where there is enough rainfall to support grassland and scattered trees, but not enough to form a full forest.

In these ecosystems, the wet season usually occurs during the warmer months, when precipitation is significant enough to support plant growth. Conversely, during the winter months or dry season, the climate becomes significantly drier, leading to a reduction in available water and limiting vegetation growth.

This characteristic is crucial for the biodiversity present in savannas, as many species have adapted to thrive in this cyclical pattern of wet and dry periods. The unique climate contributes to the specific flora and fauna found in savanna ecosystems, and understanding this pattern is essential in recognizing how savannas function within larger ecological systems.