GRASSLANDS

General locations of grasslands around the world

Detailed locations of grasslands around the world

Their latitude range is 55 degrees North to 30 degrees South.

Definition of grasslands

Grassland is an area where the annual rainfall is insufficient to support a luxuriant growth of trees, but is still high enough so that deserts are not formed. Natural grasslands primarily occur in regions that receive between 250 and 900 mm of rain per year, as compared with deserts, which receive less than 250 mm (9.8 in) and tropical rainforests, which receive more than 2,000 mm (79 in). Grassland can exist naturally in areas with higher rainfall when other factors prevent the growth of forests, where minerals in the soil inhibit most plants from growing. Average daily temperatures range between −20 and 30 °C. Temperate grasslands have warm summers and cold winters with rain or some snow.There are two types of grasslands, namely the tropical and the temperate.

Main Characteristics

Grasses are the main kind of plant in grasslands.There are not many trees in grasslands.Some grasslands are hot all year round.Some grassland areas have hot summers and very cold winters.Grasslands have different names in different places (pampas for South America, prairies for North America, savannahs for Africa, or steppes for Asia).

Different kinds of grasslands

There are two different kinds of grasslands: tropical and temperate. Grasslands in the southern hemisphere tend to get more precipitation than those in the northern hemisphere. Some grasses grow more than 7 feet (2 meters), and have roots extending several feet into the soil.

Tropical Grasslands

Tropical grasslands are warm year round, but usually have a dry and a rainy season. One such tropical grassland, the African savanna, is home to some of the world’s most recognizable species, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, lions, hyenas, and warthogs.

Location and climate of tropical grasslands

Mainly between latitudes 5° and 15° north and south of the Equator.Tropical grasslands are those closest to the equator. They are hot all year long.

Example of Tropical Grasslands

Temperate Grasslands

Temperate grasslands, which average between 10 and 30 inches (25 and 75 centimeters) of rain per year, have shorter grasses, sometimes just a few millimeters. These areas have two seasons: a growing season and a dormant season. During the dormant season, no grass can grow because it is too cold.

Location and characteristics

Temperate grasslands are those further from the equator, with hot summers and harsh winter.

Example of Temperate Grasslands

Human Impact

Overxploitation of Resources:OverhuntingUrbanization