Grassland, Desert, and Tundra Biomes

Savannas Tropical and subtropical areas near equator Full of grasses, scattered trees, and shrubs Variety of grazing animals and their predators Wet season (little rain) and dry season Grass fires restore nutrients to soil

Plants of Savanna Live a long time without water Horizontal root system Leaves shaped to conserve water Thorns to warn off predators

Animals of the Savanna Migrating herbivores such as elephants Predators follow the migrating animals Birth given when food is plentiful Herbivores eat food at different heights Ex: gazelles, rhinos, giraffes

Temperate Grasslands

Temperate Grassland Dominated by grasses; very few trees Hot summers and cold winters Moderate rainfall 50-88 cm/year Most fertile soil of any grassland Many have been replaced by farms and grazing areas Little rain makes for good fire conditions

Temperate Grasslands

Plants of Temperate Grasslands Prairie grasses & Wildflowers Dense root systems to withstand drought and fires Few trees due to lack of rain, too many fires, and strong winds

Animals of Temperate Grasslands Pronghorn antelopes – teeth for grazing Bison – teeth for grazing Badgers – burrow for safety Prairie Dogs – burrow for safety Owls – burrow for safety

Threats to Temperature Grasslands Farming and Overgrazing Soil erosion due to majority of plants not being native Constant eating and trampling decreases regeneration of natural grasses Become desert-like biomes

Chaparral

Chaparral Broad-leaf evergreen shrubs Primarily in coastal areas Mediterranean climates Warm, dry summers Mild, wet winters

Plants of the Chaparral Low-lying, evergreen shrubs Small trees in patches Small, leathery leaves that hold moisture Leaves also contain oils that promote fires Small amounts of plants can propagate new ones Oils give plants taste and smell

Animals of the Chaparral Camouflage Shape Coloring To blend into the environment Quail Lizards Chipmunks Mule Deer

Threats to the Chaparral Human development Sun, near oceans, mild climate year-round

Deserts

Deserts > 25cm rainfall/year Little or no vegetation Extreme temperatures Hot and cold deserts Near large mountain ranges Weather is blocked

Plants of the Desert Succulents – hold water Leaves are waxed coated to prevent water loss Spines prevent predators Roots at surface to absorb maximum rainfall

Animals of the Desert Reptiles: Gila monsters & rattlesnakes Amphibians: spadefoot toad Both estivate – bury until wet season Elf Owl: burrows in cacti Insects: protected with armor to prevent moisture escaping Most animals are nocturnal

Tundra North of Artic Circle Short summers Under topsoil, permanently frozen Swamps when top of soil thaws Lots of mosquitoes and blackflies Feeding frenzy for birds

Plants of the Tundra Rock covered by lichens and mosses Thin soil makes roots shallow Short plants able to avoid wind and absorb maximum heat from sun Willow and juniper grow close to ground

Animals of the Tundra Migratory birds breed in summer Mollusks, worms, insects are abundant Caribou, deer and moose migrate Wolves and foxes migrate after the herbivores Mice, rabbits and lemmings burrow Some year rounders have camouflage

Threats to the Tundra Most fragile biome Simple food chains are easily disrupted Extreme conditions Oil exploration is devastating for the animal and plant life Oil spills are deadly to ecosystem