Grassland biomes can be found in the middle latitudes, in the interiors of continents. The two types of grasslands are the short-gras and tall-grass grasslands.
Biotic Factors
Native Plant Species
Purple-Needle Grass- The purple-needle grass is about 30-100 cm high. It is found in most of the grasslands throughout the world.
Buffalo Grass- The buffalo grass is commonly found in the grassland biome around the world. It is a hardy plant that can survive the fluctuations in the climate. It is one of the most important grasses in the grassland biome, as animals eat the grass for food.
Other native species include wild oats, foxtails, and ryegrass.
Invasive Plant Species
Sickle-weed- The sickle-weed is an invasive plant that was not look as a serious invader, but as it grew to threatening amounts, scientist are researching how to combat this weed.
Other invasive plant species include leafy spurge, canada thistle, musk thistle, and common mullein.
Native Animal Species
Zebra- Zebras graze on the grasslands and rely on the sustenance of the plants of the grassland biome to survive.
Greater Prairie Chicken- The chicken is becoming more endangered as its habitat, the grassland biome, is being changed for other uses.
Other native animal species include bison, antelope, gophers, prairie dogs, and coyotes.
Invasive Animal Species
Common Rat
Abiotic Factors
The annual temperatures range form 0 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius. The annual precipitation is between 20 to 80 cm every year.
Latitudes of the Grassland Biome- Latitude: 37°21′N to 34°51′15″S Longitude: 51°27′52″E to 17°33′22″W. The altitude of the grasslands is 2,850 meters above sea level.
The soil of the temperate grasslands is deep and dark. The upper layers are the most fertile because of the buildup of many layers of dead branching stems and roots. This organic mater on the surface and in the dead roots provide a great degree of nourishment for the living plants.
Human Interactions With The Environment
Not many humans live in the grassland biome, but some people do. In order to survive, humans must be able to have a stale source of food and water, and shelter from other wild animals. One of the main environmental concerns is the conversion of grassland to farmland. As a result, wildlife cannot obtain the food and living space it needs. To battle the decreasing biodiversity of the grassland, regulation on how much of the grassland can turn into farmland must be enacted.