Grassland

We explain what a grassland is, and describe its characteristics and location. In addition, we discuss plant and animal life, and human impact on grassland regions.

What is a grassland?

A grassland is a biome, that is, a collection of ecosystems characterized by flat terrain covered with grasses and herbaceous plants, with virtually no trees. It features a temperate climate in summer and a cold climate in winter, with moderate rainfall. Grasslands are also referred to as steppes or savannas.

A quarter of Earth's land surface is covered with grasslands, many of which have been modified by humans for agriculture and livestock farming due to the properties of the land. For this reason, it is common to find rows of trees planted by humans to act as windbreaks against strong winds.

• See also: Mountain

Distribution of grasslands

Grasslands are found in regions surrounded by forests and deserts on various continents, including South America and parts of North America, Southern Africa, Central Eurasia, and Australia.

Grasslands in the Southern Hemisphere are located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the South Pole. They usually receive more rainfall than those in the Northern Hemisphere, which are situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the North Pole. Northern Hemisphere grasslands tend to be warmer and more temperate all year round.

Characteristics of grasslands

Among the main characteristics of grasslands are:

• The predominant landscape is flat, gently undulating.
• It has a mean temperature of 70°F (21°C) in summer and 52°F (11°C) in winter.
• It features strong winds due to the lack of forests or mountainous terrain to block them.
• Vegetation consists of grasses and herbaceous plants covering the terrain.
• Common animals are small in size, such as weasels (though foxes and bison are abundant in North American grasslands).
• In human-modified grasslands, trees are planted to block strong winds, and livestock such as cows and sheep are raised.

Grassland vegetation

Grassland vegetation is typically dense but low, virtually devoid of woody plants or trees. It is dominated by herbaceous plants, including grasses, shrubs, sedges, and rushes. Examples include sunflowers, clover, rushes, lemongrass, and wildflowers such as indigo plants.

Grassland wildlife

Grassland fauna is characterized by its diversity. Examples include deer, hares, foxes, owls, bison, reptiles, spiders, armadillos, prairie dogs (of the marmot family), and birds such as ducks and geese.

In grasslands altered by human activity, livestock such as cows, sheep, pigs, goats, and chickens are found.

Human impact on grasslands

Human activity on grasslands has caused significant changes to the biome, such as alteration of soil, plant, and animal life. A large portion of the world’s grasslands is used for agriculture and livestock farming, due to their flat terrain and suitability for such industries.

Grasslands are often used for intensive farming, with typical crops including corn, wheat, soybeans, and sunflowers, as well as for raising animals like pigs, cows, chickens, sheep, and lambs. These lands are heavily exploited by industries for human benefit. However, there is growing social and environmental pressure to moderate these activities.

Explore next:

.