What role does fire play in the maintenance of the savanna ecosystem?

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Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the savanna ecosystem by influencing vegetation dynamics and biodiversity. Wildfires in savannas help prevent the encroachment of woody plants, maintaining the balance between grasses and trees. Many savanna trees have adapted to survive fires with thick, corky bark that protects them from fire damage once they reach a certain size. Fire also promotes the regeneration of certain plant species that can quickly regrow from underground buds or seeds.