Abstract
The biomes of the zonobiome E2 Tropical Seasonal Zone occupy the largest portion of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This zone is also the dominant zonobiome of the studied MBSA. Physiognomically, the biomes of this zone are represented by savanna grasslands and woodlands, as well as Tropical Dry Forests (TDF). In bioclimatic terms, these biomes are characterised by alternation of prolonged dry and wet periods. In the study region we recognise Mesic and Arid Savanna at the rank of global biome, each comprising 25 and 9 regional biomes, respectively. While the savanna units are functionally underpinned by the domination of highly productive C4 grasslands, the TDF is characterised by an overall lack of grassy (or shrubby) understorey beneath a (semi)closed canopy of trees of predominantly low stature. There are two regional biomes of TDF recognised within the study area, namely Southern African Dry Forest and Southern African Dry Thicket. This chapter presents descriptions of all regional biomes of the zonobiome E2.
