GRASSLAND HABITATS

DESCRIPTION There are two main types of grasslands

in the world. 1. Savanna- found in warm or hot

climates with a specific rainy season that is half of the year and a dry season for the other half. These cover almost half of the continent of Africa.

2. Temperate grasslands, or prairies- these grasslands have hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall during the year. The central United States has prairies such as these.

PLANTS In a savannah and

prairie both, there are few or no trees. The plant life is mostly grasses, wildflowers of different types, and low shrubs.

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COMMON PLANT ADAPTATIONS

1. Grass has long narrow leaves to prevent water loss.

2. Grass has deep underground roots and “runners” above ground to spread out.

3.Grass leaves all come from the very base of the plant so that they can be eaten and stepped on by animals without the plant being damaged.

Wildflowers have brightly colored flowers to attract insects. These insects spread the pollen of the plants so that they can reproduce.

Wildflowers and grasses are also adapted to survive grass fires. The roots under the ground will not be harmed in a fire even if the leaves have been destroyed.

COMMON ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS In the African savanna, the

dry season can be up to 8 months long. Many animals migrate away from the grassland during this time.

Some smaller animals burrow into the ground to escape predators and can remain dormant or hibernate during the dry season.

Many grazing animals have long legs and flat teeth to grind grasses. These animals live in large herds for safety.

SAVANNA

Savanna Herbivores:

elephants, zebras, giraffes, ground squirrels, water buffalo, hippopotami, and antelope, grasshoppers

Prairie Herbivores:

prairie dogs, cattle, grasshoppers, bison, rabbits, deer, quail, tortoises, and pheasants

Savannah Carnivores

Mammals such as cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals, lions, and wild dogs.

Birds such as owls and falcons.

Reptiles such as snakes, crocodiles, and lizards.

Prairie Carnivores

Mammals such as coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions

Birds such as owls, eagles, and hawks.

Reptiles such as snakes and lizards.

Amphibians like bull frogs and toads.

Savannah Omnivores:

Ostriches, baboons, wart hogs, foxes, badgers, and meerkats

Prairie Omnivores:

Prairie chickens, skunks, racoons, badgers,and gophers

Scavengers: Hyenas, vultures,

jackals, buzzards, ants

Decomposers: Fungi, worms,

bacteria, termites, dung beetles,