The Importance of the Grassland Ecosystem

What is a Grassland?

A grassland ecosystem is an area where the majority of plants are non-woody grass species. They occur naturally on every continent except Antarctica and account for around 9% of the world’s landmass. The word “grassland” can be a little misleading, as not all grasses are true “grasses.” For example, bamboos are technically grasses, but they are typically considered distinct ecosystems. Grasslands are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They support a diverse array of plant and animal life, and they have been invaluable to human societies throughout history.

Characteristics of Grasslands

Some of the most notable characteristics of grasslands are listed below: - Large Amounts of Vegetation - Grasslands are typically covered in tall, lush vegetation. Their towering stalks can block out the sun, creating a dense shade beneath. - Diverse Species - Because of the wide range of conditions in a single ecosystem, grasslands host a huge array of species. The high level of biodiversity makes grasslands some of the richest and most productive areas in the world. - Little Tree Cover - Because they are dominated by herbaceous plants, grasslands do not contain many trees. Many of the species that grow in this type of ecosystem are low-growing and help to create a “blanket” of vegetation. - Short Growing Seasons - Many grasslands are located in areas with short growing seasons. They may receive too little sunlight to support extensive plant growth or have too little water. These “limiting factors” can cause problems for many plant species, but grasses can survive even in harsh conditions.

Types of grassland ecosystems

There are many types of grassland ecosystems. Some of the most common are listed below: - Tropical Savannas - Tropical savannas are one of the most common types of grasslands. They grow in humid tropical and subtropical climates, such as in South America, Africa, and Australia. They are primarily found in the lowlands, where water is readily available. - Temperate Grasslands - Temperate grasslands are found in the Midwestern and Western states of America, in areas such as the Great Plains. They are also common in parts of South America, and many temperate grasslands line the coasts of New Zealand and Australia. - Desert Grasslands - Desert grasslands are common in arid desert areas such as the Great Basin in the southwestern United States. They also exist in areas of southwestern Asia and parts of Australia. They exist in areas that receive very little rainfall, usually less than 10 inches of water a year. - Cool-temperate Grasslands - Cool-temperate grasslands are found in areas where summers are too cold for trees to grow, such as in the northern regions of Europe and Asia. They also exist in parts of Canada and the northeastern United States.

Desert Grasslands

These grasslands are characterized by a long dry season followed by a short rainy season. Desert grasslands are found in areas with large amounts of desert and have very little rainfall each year, usually less than 10 inches. Deserts are extremely dry ecosystems, with little rainfall and poor soil productivity. They are found in areas that are far from oceanic moisture sources, such as the interior of continents. Temperate deserts are found between tropical deserts and temperate grasslands. They are common in areas that are too cold for tropical grasslands, but too warm for areas of permanent ice such as the Arctic. Deserts are one of the most common types of grasslands, covering large areas in Australia, Africa, and South America. Desert grasslands are found in arid regions, where rainfall is very low.

Temperate Grasslands

Temperate grasslands are found in the midwestern and western United States, as well as some areas of South America. They grow in temperate regions where there is not enough warmth for tropical forests, but too much warmth for areas of permafrost or tundra. Temperate grasslands are part of the larger temperate steppe ecozone, which also includes savannas and shrublands. These landscapes have relatively low levels of plant production, and they occur in areas with a long growing season. Most temperate grasslands are found in areas with a continental climate, where the growing season is long enough for grasses to flourish. They grow in the “Corn Belt” region of the United States and the prairies of Canada and Argentina.

Tropical Grasslands

Tropical grasslands grow in humid tropical and subtropical climates. They are found in areas near the equator with high average temperatures, high precipitation, and high amounts of evaporation. Tropical grasslands are part of the larger tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands ecozone. They are found in tropical and subtropical areas where rainfall is high, temperatures are warm all year, and there are significant amounts of lightning. Tropical grasslands occur in areas where trees cannot grow because of too little rainfall or too much sunlight. They are common in the Amazon rainforest and savannas of Africa, Australia, and South America.

Conclusion

Grasslands are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They support a diverse array of plant and animal life, and they have been invaluable to human societies throughout history. Although they are often thought of as expansive fields of tall grasses, there are many other types of vegetation that fall under this umbrella. Many tropical grasslands are more forest-like. Grasslands are unique ecosystems that deserve to be studied and understood by all.