Changes to precipitation pattern have also been increasing globally. While many regions are experiencing droughts and fires, such as in Australia, other biomes have had increased rains and flooding. These changes not only effect the vegetation, but also the wildlife in the region. Western North America has been greatly impacted by climate change and grasslands in these areas have had increased levels of drought and fire.
These arid and semi-arid regions have shown increases in invasive species such as cheatgrass, which grows very quickly in dry climates, and is highly flammable. This has led to an increase in fire frequency and distribution across much of the western United States and Canada. Other effects of decreased precipitation can be seen in other areas worldwide. A lack of water can mean no breeding grounds for waterfowl, or dryer conditions can allow predators access to areas they otherwise would not hunt in such as has been observed in African savannahs.
In this way, climate changes can greatly disrupt biomes, and offset the delicate balance of a given ecosystem. In addition to climate changes, grasslands are also one of the most popular areas for human development. This is mainly due to the fact that the flat land is much easier to clear than a forested area. Because of this, grasslands are often cleared and repurposed for agricultural uses. This has happened in abundance in prairie areas, such as in North America, where natural grasslands have been replaced with crop fields.
In many areas even natural grasslands are at risk from existing agricultural systems. Australia has an abundance of cattle farms, and many of these farms allow their cattle to roam free, eating natural grasslands. While free range farming can be much more sustainable than other options, this can still have a devastating effect on grasslands that would not naturally see such heavy traffic from grazing animals which can decimate grass populations.
Zebras in a grassland in Africa. Temperate grasslands have a high density of wildflower. The yearly average is about 20 - 35 inches 55 - 95 cm , but much of this falls as snow in the winter. Fire is not foreign in temperate grasslands. They are often set by lightning or human activity. Fire regularly swept the plains in earlier times, and to some extent still does today. Trees and large shrubs are rarely found in grassland areas. There are many species of grasses that live in this biome, including, purple needlegrass, wild oats, foxtail, ryegrass, and buffalo grass.
Many animals munch on these grasses, but they survive because the growth point on the grasses is very close to the ground. Also, with underground stems and buds, grasses are not easily destroyed by fire. Shrubs and trees that live in temperate grasslands are not as good as grasses at coping with the flames, and often are destroyed by fire. Wildflowers also grow well in temperate grasslands. Popular flowers that you might find growing on grasslands are asters, blazing stars, goldenrods, sunflowers, clovers, and wild indigos.
ANIMALS: All grasslands share a lack of shelter from predators, and an abundance of grass for food; therefore, grassland animal populations are similar throughout the world.
Fire can also help prevent fire-intolerant trees and shrubs from taking over while increasing the diversity of wildflowers that support pollinators. All rights reserved. Types of grasslands There are two main kinds of grasslands: tropical and temperate. Grassland plants and animals Grasslands support a variety of species. Share Tweet Email. Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city.
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