Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 69-80 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 69 Review Article Open Access Energy Flow and Trophic Dynamics in African Savanna Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Analysis Zhen Liu, Shudan Yan Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding author email: shudan.yan@jicat.org Bioscience Evidence, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0009 Received: 17 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 21 Mar., 2024 Published: 07 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu and Yan, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu Z., and Yan S.D., 2024, Energy flow and trophic dynamics in African savanna ecosystems: a comprehensive analysis, Bioscience Evidence, 14(2): 69-80 (doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0009) Abstract This study presents a comprehensive analysis of energy flow and trophic dynamics in African savanna ecosystems, emphasizing the critical roles of climate, human activities, and ecosystem-based approaches in shaping these landscapes. The study highlights that climate is the primary determinant of vegetation distribution, with significant implications for the structure and function of savanna ecosystems under changing environmental conditions. Human impacts, including land use changes and habitat fragmentation, have increasingly altered plant diversity and ecosystem resilience, necessitating integrated monitoring and management strategies. Additionally, the potential of ecosystem-based bioenergy production is explored as a sustainable solution for both energy needs and ecological restoration. The study concludes by stressing the importance of incorporating these insights into practical conservation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of savanna ecosystems. Keywords Energy flow; Trophic dynamics; African savannas; Climate impact; Ecosystem management 1 Introduction Tropical savannas, characterized by a ground cover dominated by C4 grasses and a discontinuous tree or shrub layer, cover approximately 50% of the African continent. These ecosystems range from densely wooded Miombo woodlands to the Serengeti grasslands with scattered trees (Osborne et al., 2018). African savannas are crucial for providing water, grazing, food, and fuel for tens of millions of people and support a unique biodiversity that is vital for wildlife tourism. However, these ecosystems are facing significant threats from human activities, including land cover change, landscape fragmentation, climate change, and rising atmospheric CO2 levels, leading to widespread degradation (Stevens et al., 2017). Additionally, the phenomenon of woody encroachment, driven by factors such as CO2 enrichment and changes in land management, is altering the structure and function of these ecosystems (Devine et al., 2017). Understanding the energy flow and nutrient dynamics within savanna ecosystems is essential for comprehending their overall functioning and resilience. Energy flow, which involves the transfer of energy through different trophic levels, is a fundamental aspect of ecosystem ecology. It helps in identifying the sources and pathways of energy resources, which are crucial for maintaining the balance and health of the ecosystem (Masese et al., 2018). Nutrient dynamics, on the other hand, involve the cycling of essential elements like carbon and nitrogen, which are vital for plant growth and ecosystem productivity. For instance, the carbon dioxide fluxes in different savanna ecosystems are influenced by factors such as land use, water availability, and seasonal changes, affecting the overall carbon balance and ecosystem respiration (Quansah et al., 2015). Moreover, the interactions between different plant functional traits and their responses to environmental changes play a significant role in determining the resilience and vulnerability of savanna ecosystems to global change (Osborne et al., 2018; Siebert and Dreber, 2019). This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the energy flow and trophic dynamics in African savanna ecosystems. This includes examining the current status of these ecosystems, understanding the importance of energy flow and nutrient dynamics, and identifying the key drivers and consequences of ecosystem changes. The objective of this study is to synthesize existing knowledge from various studies to highlight the complex
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