KDE Santa Barbara

Science for Kids: Grasslands Biome The grasslands biome can be divided up into the temperate grasslands and tropical grasslands. On this page we will discuss the temperate grasslands. Tropical grasslands are also called savannas. You can read more about this biome on the savanna biome page. What are grasslands? Grasslands are wide expanses of land filled with low growing plants such as grasses and wildflowers. Where are the major world grasslands? Grasslands are generally located between deserts and forests. Types of Temperate Grasslands Each major area of grasslands in the world has its own characteristics and is often called by other names: Prairie - Grasslands in North America are called the prairies. A variety of animals live in the grasslands. The North American plains were once full of bison. Plants in the Grasslands Different kinds of grass grow in different areas of the grasslands. Types of grasses that grow here include buffalo grass, blue grama grass, needle grass, big bluestem, and switchgrass. Fires Farming and Food

Grasslands The main plants of a grassland are of course grasses, with a few low shrubs and occasional trees. In grasslands, trees are more commonly found near rivers and streams. There are many wildflowers that grow in grasslands. There are 3 types of grassland: Tall grasslands have very tall grass, up to 152 cm tall, and up to 80cm of rain a year. Mixed grasslands have grasses that grow around 60-90 cm high and about 40-60 cm of rain each year. Short grasslands have short grasses and receive very little rainfall each year, less than 15 cm. Grasslands around the world are becoming extinct as they are where people make farms and towns because of the flatness and ease of clearing. Tropical grasslands are those closest to the equator.