Grasslands and Savannah

General Characteristics A grassland is a wide area, covered in a native grass. There are many different kinds of grasslands around the world, each with different kinds of plants and animals living in each one. Grasslands may be flat or have rolling hills. There may be some scattered trees. Generally have low animal diversity compared to other regions.

Grassland Climate Precipitation: 20-35 inches Average temperature is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius Latitude is around 23 N There are two real seasons: a growing season and a dormant season. Very little fall or spring time temperatures.

Savannah Climate Precipitation: 10-30 inches Average temperature is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius Latitude is around 15 N There are two real seasons: a growing season and a dormant season. Very little fall or spring time temperatures.

The Prairie, a North American grassland Much of the middle of North America is the prairie. It is a type of grassland where tall grass and wildflowers grow, but few trees because there is not enough rain.

The Prairie, a North American grassland Flora and Fauna found on a North American Prairie:

The Savanna, an African grassland Scenes of the Savanna

The Pampas, grasslands of South America The Pampas is a grassland. There is very little rainfall and cool winds that keep it dried out. There are few trees, but mild temperatures.

Flora Includes many species of grasses such as purple needlegrass, wild oats, foxtail, ryegrass, and buffalo grass. Also several flowering plants like asters, blazing stars, goldenrods, sunflowers, clovers, and wild indigos

Flora Adaptations Many have narrow leaves Many can survive months and years with very little rain. Many of these plants have two root systems, one that fans out near the surface and another that goes much further down and spreads very little. Underground stems and buds, grasses are not easily destroyed by fire

Fauna Includes (which do not all occur in the same temperate grassland) gazelles, zebras, rhinoceroses, wild horses, lions, wolves, prairie dogs, jack rabbits, deer, mice, coyotes, foxes, skunks, badgers, blackbirds, grouses, meadowlarks, quails, sparrows, hawks, owls, snakes, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, and spiders

Fauna Adaptations Many prairie animals have front legs and paws that allow them to burrow into the ground. Many are adapted for nocturnal life Long legs to help capture prey and get away from predators. Minimal cover makes it harder to hide from predators. Many species in this region are able to walk and run within minutes of being born.

Dangers Facing Grasslands Over farming of soil, draining nutrients. Too much irrigation bringing too many salts to region Dryness contributes to fires, which can temporarily destroy a grassland, however, given enough time, the roots of the plants run very deep, so it doesn’t stay barren for long.

Montage How Nature Works: Grassland