Grasslands Section 1

Grassland An ecosystem in which there is too much water to form a desert, but not enough water to support a forest. The grasslands are full of many different types of animals (mostly grazers), and animals that travel long distances.

The Desert Grassland Boundary The area between deserts and grasslands where increased rainfall enables some grasses to grow.

Drought Season A long period of little to no rainfall. This is hard on many creatures and plants. Only well adapted animals are able to survive these harsh times.

Rainy Season There are cycles of heavy rainfall called the rainy season. This is the time of year when most of a region's average annual rainfall occurs. It usually lasts one or more months. The term "green season" is also sometimes used as a euphemism by tourist authorities.

Section 2 Steppes and Prairies

Steppes Steppes- grasslands of short bunchgrasses that get less than 50 cm of rain a year. Most of the rain on the steppes evaporates very quickly or reaches only the upper 25 cm of soil. The roots of the steppe grasses may grow only as deep as 50 cm.

Prairies Grasslands characterized by rolling hills, plains, and sod-forming grasses.

Steppe and Prairie Organisms Sod-forming grasses- Grasses that form a mat of soil and roots Humus- layer of organic matter formed when the roots of the grasses die Bunchgrasses- short, fine-bladed grasses that grow in a clump

Steppe and Prairie Organisms Animals of the steppes and prairies have adapted to the changing conditions of these grasslands by migrating, hibernating, or burrowing underground.

Section 3 Savanas

Savanas Tropical grasslands ranging from dry scrubland to wet, open woodland.

Savanna Organisms adaptations Runners- long horizontal stems above or below the ground that are used by some plants to reproduce. They spread quickly and extend for several meters. Tufts- large clumps of tall, coarse grasses. Savanna trees and shrubs have thorns or sharp leaves to keep them from being eaten by grazing animals.

Vertical Feeding Pattern Animals eat vegetation at different heights. This enables animals with different eating habits to feed in the same area without competing for food with others.