DULLA, FHARHANA

Video Presentation: Biome

A biome is a large area characterized by its vegetation, soil, climate, and wildlife. There
are five major types of biomes: aquatic, grassland, forest, desert, and tundra, though some of
these biomes can be further divided into more specific categories, such as freshwater, marine,
savanna, tropical rainforest, temperate rainforest, and taiga. Here in our own hometown, we
have been very blessed with a diversity of biomes around the peninsula. However, among
these, the most breathtaking and relaxing is the Grassland.
Grassland biomes consist of large open areas of grass. Trees can be present, but they
are infrequent. The animals found in grasslands range from African elephants (Loxodonta
africana) to various species of prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.).
Temperate grassland biome is characterized by fairly low rainfall (20-35 inches)
throughout the year. The most rainfall occurs in late spring and early summer where
convectional precipitation takes place. The greater part of this precipitation comes in the form of
snow, especially in the temperate grasslands of the northern hemisphere.
Low rainfall, wildland fires, and grazing by animals are three factors that maintain
grasslands. In grassland regions, the climate is ideal for the growth of grasses only. The low
precipitation rates are enough to nourish grasses but not enough for a forest of trees. Frequent
fires also play a role in maintaining grassland ecosystems. Grasses are well adapted to grow
back after a fire. Grassland animals are also prepared for fires, fleeing, or burrowing
underground to wait out the flames. Large animals, such as African elephants, can also trample
the ground and discourage the growth of trees.
The two distinct types of grasslands are savannas and temperate grasslands. These two
types of grasslands may look similar, but they differ in some significant ways. For example,
elephants are found in African savannas but not in the temperate grasslands of the United
States. In contrast, burrowing animals, such as prairie dogs, are commonly found in temperate
grasslands. Temperate grasslands also are known to have richer soils than savannas.
Savannas are present in areas that have a warm climate with a rainy season and a dry
season. Most of the precipitation falls during just a few months of the year. This results in a long
dry season that inhibits the growth of trees. Savannas and their abundant wildlife are famous in
Africa, but savannas can also be found in South America, Asia, and Australia.
Temperate grasslands, on the other hand, are known for their rich soil that yields
abundant growth of grasses. Temperate grasslands are found in places such as North America
and Eastern Europe.
Humans have had a dramatic impact on the grassland biome. Because temperate
grasslands have rich soil, most of the grasslands in the United States have been converted into
fields for crops or grazing land for cattle. The loss of grasslands due to agriculture has affected
several species, including monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). During their long migration to
Mexico, the butterflies depend on the grasslands’ wildflowers for food. Consequently, monarch
butterfly populations have begun disappearing as more and more grasslands have been
converted into farmland.
In the African savannas, illegal hunting has resulted in the loss of many large animals,
including elephants. The elephants protect the grasses of the savanna by crushing trees and
shrubs. Without large animals around to stomp down the trees, they can more readily overtake
the grasses, causing savannas to turn into forests. The resulting loss of the grasses would
mean less food for grazing animals such as Grevy’s zebras (Equus grevy).