Chapter 8 Grassland Biomes Section 8.1 Grasslands

Grassland Biomes Grassland- ecosystem in which there is more water than in a desert, but not enough water to support a forest

Grassland

Location Africa, central Asia, North America, South America, and Australia

Location in USA Grasslands stretch from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the forests in the east, and from Canada to Mexico

Grassland Climate More water than deserts and tundras Desert-grassland boundary- area between deserts and grasslands where increased rainfall enables some grasses to grow

Grassland

Grasslands Many kinds of organisms live in the grasslands, but grasses are the most common Hot, dry summers, which makes rainfall the limiting factor

Fires in Grasslands Very important because they protect the grasses competition Burn away dead grass, which creates nutrients Aid in the germination of new seeds

Fire in Grasslands

Animal roles in Grasslands Grazing animals (bison) act as natural lawn mowers, keeping vegetation close to the ground Burrowing animals (worms, prairie dogs, & insects) aerate the soil by making tunnels under the ground

Amount of precipitation Amount of rain in a grassland biome affects the size and texture of grasses Why do you think this happens?

Importance of rain Amount AND timing of rain are equally important Rainy & drought seasons These seasons determine the types of organisms that can live in this biome Drought-resistant plants

Grassland drought

Grassland animals Large grazing animals (antelope & bison)

Grassland animals Grasshoppers- feed on grasses and seeds

Grassland animals Herbivores- mice, prairie dogs, and birds

Grassland animals Predators- coyotes, foxes, snakes, and birds of prey

Grassland biomes Steppe Prairie Savanna

REVIEW!!! Where are grasslands located in relation to deserts and forests? Suggest reasons for the relationship between grass size and climate.