What is a grassland ecosystem?

1. What is a grassland ecosystem?

2. Unit Standards

3. What is a grassland ecosystem? • Grasslands- ecosystems in which grasses are the main plant life. • Rainfall is irregular and usually not plentiful. • Temperatures are cool in winter and warm in the summer.

4. What is a grassland ecosystem? • Some of the world’s most fertile soil is found in the grasslands. • For this reason grasslands are often used for farming.

5. What is a grassland ecosystem? • The roots of grassland plants hold soil in place. • If the plants are removed, the soil can be blown away by winds.

6. What is a grassland ecosystem? • During the dry season, it is common for natural fires to occur in grasslands. • These fires help clear out dead leaves and branches and prevent trees and shrubs from growing. • The roots of plants in the grasslands are deep. For this reason, the environment recovers quickly.

7. What is a grassland ecosystem? • Grasses are the producers of the grassland ecosystem. • They provide a rich food source for herbivores. In tall grass prairies, bluestem and switchgrass plants grow to heights of 3 meters (12 feet). • Below the ground, the roots of these plants can grow just as deep or even deeper.

8. What is a grassland ecosystem? • The plants and animals in grasslands vary from place to place. • In North America, herbivores such as bison, gophers, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs live together in the grasslands. • Carnivores there include coyotes, badgers, and black-footed ferrets.

9. What is a grassland ecosystem? • The grasslands of central Russia, known as steppes have different animals, such as Siberian chipmunks and wild boars.

10. What is a grassland ecosystem? • The grasslands of Argentina, known as the pampas, are home to pampas deer.

11. What is a grassland ecosystem? • Savanna- a type of grassland that stays warm all year. • The soil is not as fertile as the soil of other grasslands.

12. What is a grassland ecosystem? • Savannahs receive more rainfall than other grasslands, though not enough to support a dense growth of trees. • Savannas have long, dry winters and very wet summers.

13. What is a grassland ecosystem? • Africa has large savannas dotted with acacia trees, which provide shade for animals. • Animals in the African savannas include lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelope.