Grasslands

8-1 Grasslands ·  An ecosystem in which there is more water than in a desert, but not enough water to support a forest. ·   Begin at edge of desert and stretch to beginning of forest ·  Exist in Africa, central Asia, North America, South America and Australia In U.S. grasslands stretch from Rocky Mts. To the forests in the East

Grasslands Where are Grasslands? Grasslands are located in North America's interior (called prairies), in southeastern South America (Argentina's pampas and the campos of Uruguay and Brazil), in Eurasia (the Eurasian steppe in Mongolia and parts of the former Soviet Union), in Africa (the semi-arid steppes of the Sahel of north-central Africa and the wetter grasslands, veldts, of East Africa and Madagascar), and in Australia and New Zealand (called rangelands).

Climate · Hot, dry summers · Rainfall is a limiting factor ·  A little wetter than deserts ·  A desert-grassland boundary is the area between deserts and grasslands where increased rainfall enables some grasses to grow. It is unstable Long-term climate change can cause the boundary to become grassland or desert · Hot, dry summers · Rainfall is a limiting factor ·   Rainy seasons followed by long periods of drought determine the behavior of the resident organisms.

Organisms · Determined by biotic and abiotic factors Grasses are the most common. They include grains, they are a flowering plant, and they are resistant to extreme temperatures. They have adapted long roots which are mainly underground which protects them from grass fires and periods of drought.

Grassland Plants

Organisms ·  Some plants and trees have become drought-resistant to survive long periods without rain. ·  Large grazing animals like antelope and bison ·  Grasshoppers and other insects ·  Herbivores like mice, gophers, prairie dogs, and birds Other animals like coyotes, foxes, snakes and birds of prey are top consumers.

Grassland Animals Animal Adaptations: The animals that live in grasslands have adapted to dry, windy conditions. There are grazing animals (that eat the grass), burrowing animals, and their predators; insects are abundant. A moderate of level species diversity exists on a grassland.

Grassland Animals Grassland Animal Printouts - EnchantedLearning.com

Grass Fires · Important in grasslands · A lot occur by lightning These fires burn away last year's dead grasses and help to convert these to valuable nutrients. These fires also burn away trees and shrubs because most of tree is above ground. Lastly, these fires aid in the germination of some seeds.

3 Types of Grasslands · Vary by climate and type of organisms ·  3 biomes *steppe *prairie *savanna