69 Tropical Grassland Facts To Teach Your Kids About

Grasslands are known by a variety of names across different regions. 

Prairies are the name given to them in the Midwestern United States. They're called pampas in South America. 

Steppes relate to grassland in Central Eurasia, whereas tropical savannas relate to grasslands in Africa. Grass, which is their natural dominant plant, is something they all share in common. Grasslands form when there isn't enough consistent rainfall to support vegetation cover but again, not so little that a desert forms. Grasslands are frequently found between woods and deserts.

Grasses cover about 20 to 40% of the planet's land area. They are usually open and somewhat flat, and they may be found over every continent except Antarctica, making them subject to human population pressure. Read on to find out more about tropical grassland biome facts.

The Characteristics Of Tropical Grassland

Grasslands of many kinds have comparable properties. Savannas are grassland with dispersed trees that can be found in portions of Africa, South America, Australia, and Asia. 

Temperate grasslands lack trees, have less rainfall than savannas, and have a wider range of temperature extremes than savannas. Steppes and prairies are the two forms of temperate grasslands. Due to more rainfall, steppes have smaller grasses, and prairies have taller grasses. Grasslands cover 25% of Earth's land area and predominate in areas where rainfall is scarce, preventing forest growth. Rain shadows are cast across surrounding open range regions as a result of nearby mountain ranges. Savannas get 30-40 in (76-100 cm) of rain per year on average, but steppes get only 10-20 in (25-50 cm). Prairies, with 20-36 in (50-90 cm) per year, are a cross between savannas and steppes.

Rainfall varies from season to season and year to year in grasslands, varying from 10-40 in (25-100 cm) per year. Savannas are located in warmer regions, with typical yearly temperatures ranging from 70-79° F (21-26° C). They usually only have two seasons, a wet and a dry one. Summers in temperate grasslands are hot, with temperatures reaching 100° F (38° C), while winters are cold, with temperatures dropping under -40° F (-40° C). Fires are a common feature of grasslands. Regular burns encourage the establishment of native grasses while limiting tree growth. Invasive plants have shallower roots and suffer from fires, but native grasses have deeper root systems that can withstand wildfire. About 5% of the world's meadows are preserved and protected, making grasslands the world's most endangered ecosystem.

Grasslands are home to a wide range of species. Zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and giraffes, for example, are fed by plants in African savannas. Other animals including prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, fast foxes, and a variety of birds can all be found in temperate meadows. Inside a particular grassland area, up to 25 species of big plant-eaters can be found, creating a sort of buffet where different types of grass appeal to a variety of species with plenty for different animals to choose from.

Tropical Grassland Biome

 Grassland biomes can be found on every single continent in the world, with the exception of Antarctica, demonstrating their widespread distribution. Grasslands biomes are thought to encompass over 20% of the Earths' surface. Tropical grassland biomes, along with the temperate grassland biomes, form the two types of grassland ecoregions. One element these two types of meadows biomes have in common is that grass is the main natural flora.

The tropical grassland biome or the savanna biome represents a tropical biome with large open spaces dotted with small trees and bushes. Some of the animals that live in tropical biomes are elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and several others. Savanna biomes span half of Africa, as well as large swaths of Australia, South America, and India. The climate in the savanna biome changes with the seasons. There are two different seasons in this area: wet and dry seasons. During the winter season, there is a dry season. It's during summer when the savanna biome gets all of its rain and is known as experiencing the wet season. The majority of plants wither and die during the dry season because they don't receive enough water to survive. Some rivers and streams have also dried up. To find food, a high percentage of animals travel considerable distances.

Plants in the savanna biome have evolved and adapted to thrive in this long-term drought climate. These possess extensive root systems that can extend up to the edge of the water table. Some plants have stems that can retain water or thick skin that can stand extreme temperatures. Red oat grass, lemongrass, and several other shrubs survive and thrive during dry seasons with enough rainfall in the largest savanna habitat featuring fertile soil, scattered trees, warm weather, and grazing animals. 

The Importance Of Tropical Grasslands

Grasslands are significant on a global scale as they're a natural source of carbon, and natural carbon sinks are an important aspect of the carbon cycle. 

The carbon cycle is defined as the process through which the earth emits, re-captures, and stores huge amounts of carbon dioxide, often known as CO2, from its atmosphere, thereby maintaining a more or less stable global temperature. The vastness of grasslands demonstrates their global significance; they account for roughly 26% of the landmass and 80% of suitable agricultural land. The bulk of grasslands are found in tropical developing nations, where they are critical to the lives of over a billion people.

Grasslands plainly supply grazing cattle with a feed source and consequently a variety of high-quality meals, but this livestock also gives fertilizer, transportation, traction, fiber, and leather. Grasslands also offer vital functions such as drainage basins, biodiversity preservation, cultural and recreational purposes, and maybe as a carbon sink to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Main Features Of Tropical Grasslands

The world's grasslands are home to a diverse range of grasses. Grasslands may be devoid of trees or have only a few scattered among them. The land is usually flat. It has undulating slopes on occasion. Dust storms, tornadoes, and wildfires are all common occurrences in grasslands.

Grasslands are ideal for cattle grazing. Grasslands also provide ideal farming soil. Many natural kinds of grass have been replaced by wheat, oats, corn, and other crops.