temperate grasslands

TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS

Sam ArnoldMaddie Sutton-Smith

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Steppes – Eurasia Prairies – North

America Pampas – South

America

CLIMATE Precipitation average of 20-35 in. Temperature from -40 F to 100F Prairie: Temp from 20-70, 10-30 inches Steppes: 10-20 inches Pampas: 64 Degrees Cold winters, dry, hot summers,

humidity

SOIL Dark and Deep Fertile upper layers High in calcium carbonate-good for

fertility Chernozem-phosphorus and ammonia,

really fertile. Loess-windblown silt, sometimes

derived from glacial deposits(MS river)

LIMITING FACTORS Human agricultural use Low precipitation levels Fires Absence of tree cover

ANIMAL LIFE – ADAPTATIONS Extra body fat and fur Extreme speed Extensive mucous membranes Broad, flat-topped teeth Color

CORSAC FOX NORTHERN LYNX

SAIGA ANTELOPE PRAIRIE DOG

AMERICAN BALD EAGLE BADGER

GREATER RHEA GEOFFROY’S CAT

PLANT LIFE – ADAPTATIONS Fine roots extending deep into soil Rhizomes – thick, turf-like networks Underground storage organs Lower growing points Small and flexible

MILK VETCH SWEET VERNAL

RHUBARBTUMBLEWEED

PURPLE CONEFLOWER STINGING NETTLE

INDIAN GRASS PAMPAS GRASS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Fragmentation-loss of biodiversity Dust Storms Wasteland Buildup

HUMAN PRESSURES Poorly planned agriculture Over-plowing and wind Overgrazing and irrigated salt build-up

CONSERVATION National Parks Preserves