A grassland is a region where the average annual precipitation is great enough to support grasses, and in some areas a few trees. They are characterized as lands dominated by grasses rather than large shrubs than large shrubs or trees.
Grassland biomes exist throughout the earth and are termed by large, rolling land of large-scale grasses, flowers, and herbs rather than large shrubs or trees expanding across millions of square miles. The major important plants in this biome are grasses. Temperate grasslands have some of the darkest, richest soils in the world.
Grassland biome animals:
Grasslands ecosystems can support high densities of grazing animals. A biome is a naturally- occurring community of plants and wildlife that occupy a major habitat. It is the home to many familiar and fascinating species that live in herds, includes zebras and predators that prey on them like cheetahs and lions.
Grassland biome plants:
Trees and shrubs are rarely found in grassland areas. There are many species of grasses that live in the biome including purple needle grass, wild oats, and buffalo grass. This plant can grow up to be estimated to around four feet. The leaves of the plant are toxic and can harm human skin by irritating its skin. It is difficult for trees and large shrubs to survive.
Types of grassland:
There are two types of grassland:
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Temperate grassland biome:
Temperate grasslands have the most satisfying temperature, they have noticeable reasons. One of them is called the growing reason and another one is called asleep reason. Animals that live in temperate grassland biomes also go through a cycle of growing and shedding winter fur and layering fat to protect themselves from the cold season.
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Tropical grassland biome:
The tropical grassland biomes have tropical climates which are warmer but temperate grasslands have less defined seasons. They do have rains in rainy season but the temperature remains the same. All the tropical grasslands are located in the southern hemisphere of the world.
Animals in grasslands biomes:
- Zebras
- Wolves
- Foxes
- Lions
- Prairie dogs
- Wild horses
- Bison
Facts about grasslands:
- In northern climates, the grass stays short because these areas have cold winters and dry, hot summers.
- In southern climates, the grass grows very tall because these areas have warm weather and periods of very wet weather followed by dry weather.
- Grasslands harbor many species of life. In Africa, you’ll find lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes living on the grasslands. In America, coyotes, antelope, rabbits, and rattlesnakes are common.
- Grasslands are usually flat and have fertile soil. In the U.S., most of our prairies have been turned into farms. America has some of the richest farms in the world.
- Fires on prairies and grasslands are common. After a fire, the grass grows again and comes back even thicker and healthier.
- Prairies are temperate grasslands with distinct seasons, which is why they are home to most of the agricultural activity in the US.
- They also tend to feature taller and more robust grass types because of the year-round growing season.