Steppe and Prairie Biome Blake Toombs Dominique Tines

What is a steppe and prairie A steppe is Russian for “grassy plain” A prairie is a large area of flat or rolling, predominantly treeless grassland, especially the large tract or plain of central North America.

Characteristics of steppe and prairie Dry Mostly animal population little human Climate change varies About one fifth of the Earth's land once had a cover of grass

Major Abiotic Factors Soil- 3’ down is neutral to basic ph, very fertile, has to be rich in minerals because rain fall is inadequate very little water Wind

Major Biotic Factors Animals- oxen, bison, antelope, coyote, prairie dog, mule deer many burrowing mammals such as ground squirrels and ferrets. Plants- few trees mostly on hill sides, prairie grass, tumbleweed, Rhubarb, sweet vernal, fringed sagebrush.

Animal adaptations Many have become fast runners to escape from predators (bison, antelope) Prairie dogs burrow underground 1. 1.

Fire Can help by help new seeds to grow Woody plants are hurt because most of their mass is above ground, so they are destroyed

Climate Summers are very hot Winters are very cold

Where they are located

Two types of steppes Temperate found in the continental areas. Subtropical Steppe in some of the driest areas

FOOD WEB

Human Influence Get lots of foods from steppe and prairie (breads, cereals and other grains) Many animals have been replaced because of humans demand for space and food

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