Grassland ecosystem

Grassland Ecosystems:~
◆Over one quarter of the Earth's surface is covered by grasslands. Grasslands are found on every continent except Antarctica, and they make up most of Africa and Asia. There are several types of grassland.They are distinguished by different names like plains, prairies, savannas and pampas.

◆Grasslands develop where there isn't enough rain for forests but too much rain for deserts. Grasslands are filled with grass. There are many types of grass, though. Fields of wheat are considered grasslands, even though they are often cultivated by people. Grass is special because it grows underneath the ground. During cold periods the grass can stay dormant until it warms up. The living condition is very poor on grassland.

◆Examples such as:~
★Zebra,kangaroo and other animals run and jump as they adapt to their environment.
★The badger, rabbit and fox hide during the day time in theis burrows.
★Some birds build their nests on the ground surface.






◆Grassland ecosystems in British Columbia generally occur in areas where the climate is hot and dry in summer and cool to cold and dry in winter. The parent material is often composed of fine sediments, and grasslands are most often in valley or plateau landscapes. The organisms that live in them include plants and animals that have adapted to the dry climatic conditions in a variety of ways.

◆Differences in elevation, climate, soils, aspect, and their position in relation to mountain ranges have resulted in many variations in the grassland ecosystems of British Columbia. The mosaics of ecosystems found in our grasslands, including wetlands, riparian areas, aspen stands and rocky cliffs, allow for a rich diversity of species.



ΨThe food pyramid(Grasslands ecosystem)above describes the relative numbers, population porpotions and primary elements of the food chain in grassland ecosystem.

◆Some grassland plants, such as grasses, have many long, fine roots to search for water at and just below the surface; others, such as big sagebrush, have long tap roots that penetrate deep below the surface to find water. Many animals migrate or dig burrows underground for protection and to avoid cold winter or hot summer temperatures.