1. Lynn Ottaviani and Marie Rhodes
Temperate Grasslands
Lynn Ottaviani and Marie Rhodes

2. 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

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

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

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

6. 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

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