PRAIRIE FLORA AND FAUNA: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

The flora and fauna of the prairies are determined by the latitude, the soil and the local climates. A meadow is a large expanse of land dominated by grasses, herbs, and flowers.

In these biomes, precipitation is so erratic that drought and fire prevent large forests from growing.

Also, the soil in most prairies is too thin and dry for trees to survive.

In general, these ecosystems are divided into tropical grasslands or savannas and temperate grasslands. In the former there are some scattered individual trees.

On the other hand, in temperate prairies the temperatures vary more from summer to winter, and the amount of rain is less.

Flora and fauna of tropical grasslands

The terms tropical grassland or savanna are used to describe the biome of practically treeless grasslands, and those areas with drought-resistant trees or shrubs.

The dominant species are grasses and other perennial and xerophytic herbaceous (resilient to drought).

On the other hand, the climate in the savanna biome varies according to the season. In this respect, in tropical grasslands there are two climates: the wet season and the dry season. Almost all rainfall occurs in the wet season.

In the dry season, most plants wither and die, as do some rivers and streams. In addition, a large percentage of animals migrate to look for food, crossing great distances.

Flora

The flora of tropical grasslands, and in general the entire biome, responds to a number of variables in addition to the climate.

Among these variables are the soil, the frequency of forest fires (natural or intentional) and grazing activities.

Some of the species that grow in the savanna biome are triandra themeda, rhodes grass, lemongrass, various types of grasses, some shrubs, and wild flowers. There are also scattered trees such as acacias, pines and palm trees.

Fauna

Some of the most recognized members of the fauna of the tropical grasslands are: giraffes, zebras, buffalo, kangaroos, mice, moles, and squirrels.

Snakes, worms, termites, beetles, lions, leopards, hyenas and elephants also stand out.

Flora and fauna of temperate grasslands

These biomes occur in colder climates, where rainfall generally falls in the form of snow.

The frequencies of this rainfall are low to moderate, making it a difficult place for the growth of tall plants and trees.

However, the flora and fauna of temperate grasslands have adapted to low temperatures, drought, and occasional fires.

On all continents, except Antarctica, this type of ecosystem is found.

Flora

Among the most representative flowers of this area are sunflowers, clovers, psoraleas, wild indigos, echinaceae (coneflower of the prairie), liatris flowers and goldenrods.

Fauna

Many of the animals in these grasslands are herbivores, such as bison, gazelle, zebra, rhinoceros, and wild horses.

Of the carnivores can be mentioned the lions and wolves. Other animals that live in this region are deer, prairie dogs, mice, rabbits, and skunks.

Coyotes, snakes, foxes, owls, badgers, grasshoppers, larks, sparrows, quail, spiders, and hawks can also be found.

References

1. Sam, M. (2000). Grasslands. Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from blueplanetbiomes.org
2. The grassland biome. (s / f). Museum of Paleontology, University of California. Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from ucmp.berkeley.edu
3. Tropical Grassland (Savanna Biome). (s / f). In Earth Eclipse. Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from eartheclipse.com
4. Goddard, P. (2004). Geography. Glasgow: Letts and Lonsdale.
5. Bailey, R. (2017, September 13). Land Biomes: Temperate Grasslands. At ThoughtCo. Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from thoughtco.com