Grassland Biome
Grasslands are found on every continent, although they
are named because of their dominant vegetation of grasses, bushes and
scattered trees are also part of grassland habitats. There are a variety
of other names for the grassland, which can be distinguished by continent
in which they are found. In North America grasslands are also termed "plains"
or "prairies;" whereas in Asia they are called "steppes;"
South America called "pampas," "llanos," or cerrados;"
in Africa called "savannahs" or "velds;" and in Australia
termed "rangelands."
Most grasslands receive heavy rains, but then experience long periods with little to no rain. Grasslands, unlike many other biomes are very successful because the root structure of grasses is able to attach strongly to the soil, even during long periods of drought. They are also wind pollinated rather than being dependent upon insects as many plants need. In addition herbivorous animals feed on the grasses keeping them healthy and growing much like mowing the lawn in our backyards. Herbivorous animals like the zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, and other antelope all share the same feeding area within a grassland and are able to do so without destroying it because each animal eats a different part of the grasses or plants found within the grassland. One might eat only mature grass, while another will only eat leaves of the stalk of the grass. This is called "resource partitioning" and occurs throughout all biomes. Grasslands are very diverse in that some may consist of grasses as short as our backyard lawns, while others may have grass reaching up to the height of an elephant's eye.
Grasslands are a vital ecosystem for a variety of animals, but with the introduction of many domestic herbivores their conversion for to farmland, grasslands are declining throughout the world. The need to protect them is stronger than ever before, but little is being done at the current time.