Temperate grasslands are characterized as having grasses as the dominant vegetation. Trees and large shrubs are absent. Temperatures vary more from summer to winter, and the amount of rainfall is less in temperate grasslands than in a savanna.
Biome (Grassland)
Graduation Requirements
Science
Biological
Earth and Space
Equipment/Materials Needed
No special equipment or materials are required. However, there is a plant collection activity. If a plant press is available it could be put to use.
Description
Grasslands biomes are regions where the average temperature and precipitation is enough to support grasses but too limited to support trees
Badge Completion Requirements
Temperate Grasslands
Temperate grassland biome climate varies depending on the season. Summers are usually hot, and temperatures can go up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are usually cold, and temperatures can fall to below zero degrees Fahrenheit in specific areas.
The amounts of rain and snow vary in the grassland biome. Southern temperate grasslands are nearer to the ocean than the prairies; they experience more rainfall more evenly spread throughout the year. With up to 35 inches of annual rainfall, grasses grow taller.
In Kansas, we have both tall grass and short grass prairies.
The soil of the temperate grasslands is deep and dark, with fertile upper layers. It is nutrient-rich from the growth and decay of deep, many-branched grassroots. The rotted roots hold the soil together and provide a food source for living plants.
Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of the Grassland Biomes. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation
Plants of the Temperate Grasslands
Grasses dominate temperate grasslands. Lack of precipitation reduces the number of Trees and large shrubs found in grassland areas. However, many species of grasses that live in this biome, including, purple needlegrass, wild oats, foxtail, ryegrass, and buffalo grass.
Below are listed some of the plants of the grassland. The trees and shrubs that are mentioned would tend to be found along a creek, wetland, or river. Very few trees or shrubs call the open prairie home.
Prompts
Summarize why the grassland biome tends to be an agriculturally active area
Find and identify 5 species of grasses native to the grassland biome and Kansas
Discuss the effects that fire have on the grasslands
Investigate and discuss the Konza Prairie Biological Station.
Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of the Temperate Grassland Biome. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation
Animals of the Grasslands
The grassland biome is a highly productive region that supports large numbers of grazing animals including the mega-herds of the African savanna.
The difference between the grasslands and savanna is that a savanna will have more trees and shrubs due to additional rainfall.
The grasslands also support large populations of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Additional detailed information about the grassland animals can be found at Bulbapp---Zoology---Vertebrates
Prompts
Compare and contrast the African savannas and the American Great Plains
Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of Grassland biomes. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation