Grasslands

Locations

Climate Cool in winter, hot in summer; 30-50 inches of precipitation a year In South America, the climate there is humid and moist. Grasslands in the southern hemisphere tend to get more precipitation than those in the northern hemisphere, and the grass tends to be the tall-grass variety.

Climate In the winter, grassland temperatures can be as low as -40° F, and in the summer it can be as high 70° F. There are two real seasons: a growing season and a dormant season. The growing season is when there is no frost and plants can grow (which lasts from 100 to 175 days). During the dormant (not growing) season nothing can grow because its too cold.

Soil Rich topsoil

Mostly grasses and small shrubs, some tress near sources of water Producers Consumers Mostly grasses and small shrubs, some tress near sources of water American grasslands include mammals, snakes, insects, various birds. African Grasslands include elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes.

Blue Bigstem Grass “turkey feet” Grassland Producers Prairie Flowers Blue Grama Grass Buffalo Grass Blue Bigstem Grass “turkey feet”

Grassland Consumers Lion Grasshopper Zebra Prairie Dog Elephant Ostrich Bison

North American Prairie Prairie plants have adapted to fires by growing underground storage structures, and having their growth points slightly below ground surface. The soil under a prairie is a dense mat of tangled roots, rhizomes, bulbs, and rootstock. The plants die back every winter, but are kept alive from year to year by the underground root system. Two-thirds of most prairie plant are below the ground. Some roots die each year and decompose, adding lots of organic matter to the soil. That's why the soil of prairies is so fertile. Before settlers moved west, the prairies were covered with herds of grazing animals, such as buffalo, elk, deer, and rabbits. These animals increased the growth in prairies by adding nitrogen to the soil through urine and feces, and creating open areas for plants that like to have the soil dug up. Prairie Dogs dug huge underground tunnel systems which aerated the soil and allowed water to reach several feet below the surface.

Steppes of Eurasia Animals are grazing animals, such as rabbits, mice, antelopes, horses, etc. Smaller animals have little defense from predators. Since it is such an open environment and predators can find animals fast, they either form herds or make burrows. There are many endangered animals on the Steppe. More and more people are trying to protect them. They are plowing the grass for farming and digging holes in search of oil. The Steppe biome is becoming endangered, just like the animals.

The Pampas The humid Pampas ecosystem is one of the richest grazing areas in the world. Because of its temperate climate and rich, deep soil, most of the Pampas has been cultivated and turned into croplands. Unfortunately, domestic livestock and farming have severely affected the pampas. Fertilizers and overgrazing are a serious threat to the pampas. There are only a very few pristine remnants of the legendary "ocean of grass" that was the Pampas. It is considered to be one of the most endangered habitats on earth.

Watch This! http://app.discoveryeducation.com/search?Ntt=grasslands

Activity Using your terrestrial cards for the Grasslands Producers and Consumers, create a food chain.