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Grasslands
 Grasslands
are just that—lands covered with grass. Grasslands are usually
warm. They are not as dry as deserts. But they are drier than forests.
There are not many trees or shrubs in grasslands. That is because
there is not enough water in this biome
for them to grow. There
are different types of grasslands. They are located in different
parts of the world. The climate
is different in each type of grassland. Therefore, the plants and
animals that can live in each type of grassland are different. Photo
© 2000-2001 www.arttoday.com
Berkeley's
Biomes group divides the grasslands of the world into two main
groups. They are tropical grasslands and temperate grasslands.
Tropical
grasslands are also known as savannas. Tropical
grasslands can be found in Australia, India, Africa and South America.
They surround tropical forests. Tropical grasslands can also be
found in North America. The Everglades in south Florida is a tropical
grassland. Tropical grasslands are hot like tropical forests. They
do not receive as much rain, though. Tropical grasslands have two
seasons.
There is a warm and wet summer season. There is also cooler winter
season. Winter is long and dry. Fires burn through grasslands during
the dry season.
Most
of the plants in tropical grasslands are tall grasses. A few lone
trees grow in places where their roots can reach underground water.
Animals look for shade under these trees. Large animals like lions,
elephants, and zebras live in some tropical grasslands. Birds and
snakes live there, too.
Temperate
grasslands are found in parts of South America, South Africa,
Europe, and Asia. They can also be found in North America. The prairie
in Kansas is a temperate grassland. Summers in temperate grasslands
are very hot. Winters are very cold. Temperate grasslands receive
a lot less rain than tropical grasslands.
Temperate
grasslands do not have any trees or large shrubs. The only plants
that grow there are grasses and some wildflowers. Large animals
like deer, wolves and zebras live in temperate grasslands. Small
animals like prairie dogs, rabbits, and mice live there, too. Birds,
snakes, and insects also live in temperate grasslands.
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