1. Temperate Grassland Kendall E Hayley S

2. Temperate Grassland Temperate grasslands are characterized by rolling hills and vast plains. (Miller, 137) They are located on the interior of continents (in the center). Types –Steppes: short grasses –Prairies: tall grasses Regional Names: –North America: Prairies/Plains –Europe/Asia: Steppes –South Africa: Veldts –South America: Pampas –Hungary: Puszta –(“The Wild Classroom”)

3. Climate Characteristics Climate Extremes –Hot/dry summers –Extremely cold winters –(Miller, 137) Precipitation –Moderate Rainfall –Occurs mostly in spring/summer –25-100 cm/year –Affects grass height Drier=Shorter (“ThinkQuest”) Temperature –Wide temperature range: Hot summers: 38°C Cold winters: -40°C (“University of California Museum of Paleontology”)

4. Climate Characteristics How do temperature and precipitation relate?

5. Climate Characteristics Other Abiotic Factors –Rich/Fertile Soil Decomposed roots hold soil together are provide food to plants. Good for farming (“University of California Museum of Paleontology”) –Fires Caused by lightening from common storms Spread quickly across grass Prevent trees from growing Clear land and nourish soil Germinate some seeds (“The Wild Classroom”)

6. Geographic Location All over the world In the inside areas of continents Typically in North and South America, Asia, and Europe Largest grasslands are in Asia and N. America (“University of California Museum of Paleontology”)

7. Flora Many plants are drought tolerant (unlike trees). Drought, fire, animal grazing prevent trees and wood plants from growing here-grassland flora can handle these factors (Miller, 137) May find some trees (cottonwoods, willows) in river valleys where there is more moisture. (“University of California Museum of Paleontology”)

8. Flora Dominated by grasses (WWF) –90% of Biomass –Grow best with varying temperature, rainfall, and rich soil of the different grassland areas. –Endure drought –Grass height depends on precipitation Wetter regions=taller grass –Main types: (“The Wild Classroom”) Blue grama Buffalo grass Purple needlegrass Galleta

9. Flora Along with grasses many types of flowers thrive in grasslands (“University of California Museum of Paleontology”) –Asters –Blazing Stars –Goldenrods –Sunflowers –Clovers –Wild Indigos –And others

10. Fauna Many insects –Live off the plants –Beetles, Spiders, Grasshoppers (Miller, 137) –Ants/Earthworms in soil –Withstand desiccation Primary Consumers –Smaller animals –Prairie dogs, deer mice, jackrabbits, meadowlarks, bison, and many others. –Survive because of burrow living and also speed. –(Miller, 137)

11. Fauna Adapted to windy/dry conditions. (“University of California Museum of Paleontology”) Higher level consumers –Coyotes, deer, bobcats, foxes, hawks, snakes, and many others. Many larger species such as wolves and pumas have been hunted, severely decreasing their population. (Miller, 137)

12. Biodiversity Affected by drought, fires, and grazing animals. Largely dominated by vegetation (“The Wild Classroom”) –A few major types of grasses- but there are hundreds of others. –Flowers and shrubs There are many small animals and primary consumers along with a large amount of insects. There are fewer high level consumers due to hunting. (Miller, 137) Shannon Diversity Index would be middle to high ranges because although there are many organisms, vegetation is dominated by a few types of grasses and there are not many large predators. Pyramid of Biomass

13. Environmental Concerns Farming –Flat ground with few trees –Good soil –(Miller, 137) Fires –Caused by humans: spread very quickly –(“The Wild Classroom”) Dust Storms –Caused by plowing and wind. Ex: Dust Bowl –(“ThinkQuest”) Hunting of Animals –Buffalo

14. References Audel, Hazen. "Temperate Grassland." Biomes of the World. 2003. The Wild Classroom. 20 Oct. 2008. "Ecosystems: Biomes and Trophic Structure." ISB 202 Global Change. 23 Jan. 2007. Michigan State University. 20 Oct. 2008. "Grasslands." Think Quest. Oracle. 20 Oct. 2008. "Grasslands." What's It Like Where You Live. 2002. Missouri Botannical Garden. 20 Oct. 2008. Miller, G. Tyler. "Grassland, Tundra, and Chaparral Biomes." Living in the Environment. 12th ed. 136-37. "Temperate Grasslands, Savannas and Shrubland Ecoregions." WWF. 11 July 2006. World Wildlife Fund. 20 Oct. 2008. Thomas, Robert, and Margaret Orr. "The Grassland Biome." University of California Museum of Paleontology. 2001. California Academy of Sciences. 20 Oct. 2008. "Wild Flowers." Nps.gov. 6 July 2007. National Parks Service. 20 Oct. 2008.