The grassland biome comprises habitats that are terrestrial habitats that are dominated grasses, and are largely populated by large trees or plants. There are three main types of grasslands–temperate grasslands, tropical grasslands (also known as savannas), and steppe grasslands.
Grassland Biome Key Characteristics
The following are some of the most important traits for the grassland biome:Vegetation structure, which is heavily dominated by grasses, semi-arid climate rainfall and soils that are not able to support substantial tree growth. Most prevalent at mid-latitudes, and in the continent’s interiors. Grasslands are frequently used for agriculture.
Classification
Warm grasslands
Temperate grasslands are mostly dominated by grasses and are devoid of trees and large trees. Temperate grasslands are comprised of tall-grass prairies, which are wet and humid, as well as dry, short-grass prairies which have hot summers and cold winters. The soil of grasslands in temperate zones has an upper layer of nutrients However, fires that block plants and trees from growing are often accompanied by seasonal droughts.
The tropical grasslands
The tropical grasslands are found close to the Equator. They experience more humid, warmer conditions than temperate grasslands, and suffer more severe dry spells during the season. Savannahs are mostly grasses, but they also have scattered trees. Their soil is porous and rapidly drains. Tropical grasslands are located across Africa, India, Australia, Nepal, and South America.
.Steppe grasslands:
Steppe grasslands border on semi-arid deserts. The grasses that grow on the steppe are shorter than tropical and temperate grasslands. Steppe grasslands are not populated with trees, apart from along the banks of streams and rivers.
Sufficient Rainfall
The vast majority of grasslands experience dry and rainy season. In the dry season grasslands can be prone to fires that often occur as a result lightning strikes. The annual rainfall of the grassland habitat is higher than the average annual rainfall on the deserts however, while they get enough rain to plant scrubby plants as well as grasses but it’s not enough allow for the growth of large number of trees. The soils of grasslands restrict the type of vegetation that develops in the area. The soils of grasslands are typically too dry and shallow to allow the growth of trees.
Variety of Wildlife
The most common plants which are common in grasslands include buffalo grass, asters clover, coneflowers wild indigos, and goldenrods. The grasslands are home to a wide range of wildlife species as mammals, reptiles amphibians, birds and a variety of invertebrates. The grasslands in the dry zone of Africa are among the most diverse of grasslands. They are home to a variety of species like giraffes rhinoceroses, and zebras. Blue Birds in Michigan In the grasslands, Australia offer habitat to animals like kangaroos, mice and snakes as well as a range of birds. These grasslands in North America and Europe support wild turkeys, wolves coyotes Canadian birds, geese as well as eagles, bobcats and cranes. Other grassland animals include:
African elephant
( Loxodonta africana) (Loxodonta africana). tooth incisors on African elephants transform into massive tusks, which curve upwards. They are characterized by a big head, large ears as well as a large, muscular trunk. Lion ( Panthera leo) is the biggest of the African felines, lions are found in savannas as well as their habitat is Gir Forest in the northwest of India. Do Birds Pee
American bison
( Bison bison) (bison bison) roam the grasslands or boreal regions as well as scrublands. However, their constant killing for meat, hides and for sport drove the animal to the edge of extinction.
Spotted Hyena
( Crocuta crocuta) Habitats of grasslands, savannas and semi-deserts in sub-Saharan Africa. Hyenas are the largest species with the highest densities in Serengeti the vast plains ecosystem that extends across northern Tanzania to southwest Kenya.
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