Introduction To Grassland Ecosystem                                                                                                      

Grasslands are open areas of land where grasses or grasses like plants are the dominant species. Other forms of vegetation such as trees are rare in grasslands because they are not suited to thrive in the grassland’s dry environment. Grasslands receive water through rainfall, and when it does occur the grasses use their roots to search for moisture. Grass within this type of environment reproduces by releasing pollen when the winds blow or by producing plants from their roots.

Locations

The two major types of grasslands are Tropical Savannah and Temperate Grassland. Both types are in regions where there are hot summer temperatures and low precipitation. Tropical Savannah Grasslands occur in Africa, Australia, South America, and Indonesia and receive 20 to 60 inches of rainfall annually. Temperate Grasslands are also called Prairies or Steppes and they receive 10 to 35 inches of annual rainfall.

Salient Features Of The Grassland Ecosystem

Grassland ecosystems are influenced over time by the organisms and plants that live there, the local climate, the natural landscape, and natural disturbances to the environment such as fires or floods. Various species such as buffalo, elephants, badgers, armadillos, and many insects have adapted to and are in grassland environments throughout the world. Physical features of grasslands such as wide-open grass-covered plains or scattered trees located next to scarce streams help to create a diverse environment within the grassland ecosystem.

Threats To Grassland Ecosystem

Natural and human disturbances to grassland areas can cause changes within this ecosystem’s environment. Landslides, flash floods, windstorms, harvesting, planting, and hunting are activities that have affected the organisms and landscapes within this type of ecosystem. Animals that graze in grasslands can also help to erode the territory if they overfeed. Urban development, agricultural production and invasive plants are all factors that work to destroy grasslands.


Keywords: Grassland, Temperate Grassland, Tropical Grassland, Savanna Grassland, Types Of Grassland

 

About the Author: Wardah Razzaq is an Environmentalist, a Certified Climate Reality Leader and Mentor, Green Blogger, Environmental and Climate Change Activist, Environmental and Climate Writer/Author, Researcher, and an International Mentor at the New York Academy of Sciences. Her ambition is to raise awareness among the masses regarding various environmental issues and about their multifarious impacts and solutions via my piece of writings.