Lynn Ottaviani and Marie Rhodes Temperate Grasslands Lynn Ottaviani and Marie Rhodes

Climate Semiarid 20-35 in/yr of precipitation Temperatures vary from summer to winter Large temperature range Summer temps can reach well over 38C and winter can be as low as -40C

Locations Exist on every continent except Antarctica North America (Prairies) South America (Pampas) Africa (Veld) Eurasia (Steppes) Australia

Basics Transition between desert and forest Frequent fires limit number of trees and shrubs Largest biome in North America Many areas used for agriculture

Plants Perennial grasses Composite family Legumes grass species purple needlegrass, blue grama, buffalo grass, galleta. Flower species blazing stars, asters, goldenrods

Animals Lack shelter from predators Plenty of grass for food Populated mostly by ungulates (hoofed animals) Other animals include prairie dogs, prairie falcons, snakes, fox, and more Gazelles, zebras, bison, snakes

Threats Soil depletion of organic material Crop irrigation during droughts Over-grazing of domestic ungulates Invasive plant species Continual agricultural development and progress