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Grasslands

Grasslands. Gio Bruno APES December 1, 2011. Characteristics. Occur mostly in interiors of continents Found in areas too moist for deserts and too dry for forests Have a seasonal drought Result in occasional fires Consist of large herbivores Example: Wildebeest (Tropical)

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Grasslands

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  1. Grasslands Gio Bruno APES December 1, 2011

  2. Characteristics • Occur mostly in interiors of continents • Found in areas too moist for deserts and too dry for forests • Have a seasonal drought • Result in occasional fires • Consist of large herbivores • Example: Wildebeest (Tropical) • 3 main types -> Tropical, Temperate, and Polar • Result from a combination of low average precipitation and various average temperatures

  3. Tropical Grassland • Warm temperatures year-round and alternating wet/dry seasons • Far-sighted, Swift, and Stealthy animals have the best chance of surviving here • Plants adapt to survive through harsh weather conditions • Animals migrate to find food and water due to droughts and warm/cold temperatures • Stretches across parts of Africa, Australia, South America, India, and other dry, tropical regions • Example: Savanna

  4. Temperate Grassland • Winters are very cold while the Summers are Hot and Dry • Precipitation is low and falls unevenly throughout the year • High in nutrient-rich soil • Used to grow crops, raise cattle, build towns and cities • Includes 2 types -> Short-grass Prairies and Long-grass Prairies • Continuous winds and rapid evaporation lead to fires • Example: Montana

  5. Polar Grassland • Arctic Tundra • Very cold: snow and ice • Low in precipitation • Seasonal wetlands forms due to permafrost • Permafrost: Underground soil in which water stays frozen for more than 2 consecutive years • Animals adapt to harsh weather conditions • Example: Arctic Fox, Snowy Owl • Human activities leave scars in the soil and vegetation • Example: Oil Drilling

  6. Polar Grassland cont. • Alpine Tundra • Occurs above the limit of tree growth but below the permanent snow line on high mountains • Similar vegetation to Arctic Tundra • More amount of sunlight than Arctic Tundra • No permafrost

  7. Map of Grasslands

  8. Environmental Damage • Tropical Grassland – Overgrazing • Temperate Grassland – Building towns and cities • Polar Grassland – Oil Drilling

  9. Solutions • Tropical Grassland • Must control amount of grazing animals allow per acre to decrease overgrazing • Temperate Grassland • Become aware of the fertile soil and how it’s being wasted to hold new building and cities • Polar Grassland • Reduce human needs for fossil fuel source

  10. Bibliography • Miller Jr., G. Tyler. "Chapter 5: Climate and Terrestrial Biodiversity." Ed. Scott Spoolman. Living in the Environment. 15th ed. Thomson Learning Incorporated, 2007. 111-115. Print.

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