1. Temperate Grasslands By: Alex Verasco & Ashley Rosenblum

2. What is a biome? A biome is a major geographical area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystems

3. Plants of the Temperate Grasslands Although trees can not grow well in temperate grasslands due to the lack of moisture, crops and flowers can grow because of the relatively rapid decomposition of humus, which releases nutrients for them to grow. Grasses. Perennial grasses, with their growth buds at or just below the surface, are well-adapted to drought, fire, and cold. The tiller or narrow, upright stem reduces heat-gain in the hot summers; the intricate root systems trap moisture and nutrients. Two basic types are: Turf- or sod-forming grasses, with rhizomes or underground stems from which new plants spring forth; associated with the more humid grasslands Bunch grasses, without rhizomes, that reproduce by seed; associated with the drier parts of the biome.

4. Pictures of animals on the grasslands

5. Plants found in the grasslands

6. Vegetation Because of the lack of preciptiation it is very difficult to maintain growth for tall plants and trees. The plants that do survive are adapted to the environment, temperature, and drought. Some examples of vegetation in temperate grasslands include: buffalo grass, cacti, sagebrush, perennial grasses, sunflowers, clovers, and wild indigos.

7. Threat of humans on the grasslands Because of the rich soil available in the grasslands, most are turning into farms and ranches. fragmentation are decreasing biodiversity in the grasslands Wind mixed with plowing has increased the amount of huge dust storms. Grazing and salt buildup has basically diminished grasslands.

8. Animals of the temperate grasslands Temperate grasslands are home to many large herbivores. Some of these include bison, gazelles, zebras, rhinoceroses, and wild horses. Carnivores like lions and wolves are also found in temperate grasslands. Other animals of this region include: deer, prairie dogs, mice, jack rabbits, skunks, coyotes, snakes, foxes, owls, badgers, blackbirds, grasshoppers, meadowlarks sparrows, quails, and hawks.

9. Climate Temperatures in temperate grasslands vary according to the season. In winter, temperatures can plummet to well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. In summer, temperatures can reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperate grasslands receive low to moderate precipitation on average per year (20-35 inches). Most of this precipitation is in the form of snow in temperate grasslands of the northern hemisphere.