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SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAY: BIOMES & ECOSYSTEMS
Biomes are nature's major communities,
classified according to the predominant vegetation
and characterised by adaptations of organisms to
that particular environment. The principal biomes in
South Africa are Succulent Karoo, Savannas, Fynbos,
Grasslands, Forests and Nama-Karoo.
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Biomes are nature's major communities, classified
according to the predominant vegetation and
characterised by adaptations of organisms to that
particular environment.
The four internationally recognised major biome
types are aquatic, grasslands, forests, and desert.
These may be further sub-divided and within South
Africa six biomes are commonly described:
A "Thicket Biome" is sometimes described.
Although not officially recognised in the
literature, it does not easily fit within the
"Forest" type as it does not have the required
height nor the many strata below the canopy. Nor is
it a "Savannah" type, in that it does not have a
conspicuous grassy ground layer.
The importance of biomes cannot be overestimated.
Biomes have changed and moved many times during the
history of life on Earth. More recently, human
activities have drastically altered these
communities. Thus, conservation and preservation of
biomes should be a major concern to all.
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South Africa is characterised by a wide
diversity of plant life and is ranked as the
third most biologically diverse country in
the world (mainly due to the richness of
plant life).
Over 18,000 species of plants occur in
South Africa, of which over 80% occur
nowhere else. This diversity is caused by
variations in climate, geology, soils and
landscape forms.
South Africa also has the highest
concentration of threatened plant groups in
the world. Approximately 3,435 of South
African plant groups are considered to be
globally threatened by extinction. A further
204 groups are estimated to be threatened at
a local level.
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