How many grasslands are in the world

Grassland Plants and Animals Grasslands support a variety of species. Vegetation on the African savannas, for example, feeds animals including zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and giraffes. On temperate grasslands, you might find prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, swift foxes, and a variety of birds.

There can be up to 25 species of large plant-eaters in a given grassland habitat, comprising a sort of buffet where different grasses appeal to different species. Some grass species in these habitats include red oat grass Themeda triandra and Rhodes grass Chloris gayana in tropical savannas, and purple needlegrass Nassella pulchra and galleta in temperate areas.

When rainy season arrives, many grasslands become coated with wildflowers such as yarrow Achiella millefolium , hyssop, and milkweed. The plants on grasslands have adapted to the drought, fires, and grazing common to that habitat. Fires, both natural and human-caused, are important factors shaping grasslands.

In the U. Midwest, for example, Native Americans set fires to help maintain grasslands for game species, such as bison. Fire can also help prevent fire-intolerant trees and shrubs from taking over while increasing the diversity of wildflowers that support pollinators.

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If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives. Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from Earth. Types of grasslands There are two main kinds of grasslands: tropical and temperate. Grassland plants and animals Grasslands support a variety of species.

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These ecosystems are mainly found in regions, where there is a scarcity of water and not enough and regular rainfall to support the growth of plants and forests. The grassland ecosystem lies between the deserts and the forest ecosystems. Savanna grasslands and temperate grasslands are some examples of grassland ecosystems.

There are many other types of grassland around the world, which go by many names. Grasslands of South America are known as pampas and central Eurasian grasslands are referred to as steppes and so on. Tropical grasslands have dry and wet seasons that remain warm all the time. These regions are warm throughout the year, followed by dry and wet seasons.

Tropical Grasslands are the ones which receive 50 cm to cm rain. Also, the tropical grasslands contain quite short plants which makes it an excellent hunting ground. For instance, the African savanna is one of the tropical grasslands. In conclusion, the tropical grassland is a home for elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and other spectacular species. Tropical Grasslands are:. These grasslands are similar to tropical grasslands, except for the climatic conditions.