temperate grasslands
DESCRIPTION
Sam Arnold Maddie Sutton-Smith. Temperate Grasslands. Steppes – Eurasia Prairies – North America Pampas – South America. Geographic location. Precipitation average of 20-35 in. Temperature from -40 F to 100F Prairie: Temp from 20-70, 10-30 inches Steppes: 10-20 inches - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS
Sam ArnoldMaddie Sutton-Smith
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Steppes – Eurasia Prairies – North
America Pampas – South
America
CLIMATE Precipitation average of 20-35 in. Temperature from -40 F to 100F Prairie: Temp from 20-70, 10-30 inches Steppes: 10-20 inches Pampas: 64 Degrees Cold winters, dry, hot summers,
humidity
SOIL Dark and Deep Fertile upper layers High in calcium carbonate-good for
fertility Chernozem-phosphorus and ammonia,
really fertile. Loess-windblown silt, sometimes
derived from glacial deposits(MS river)
LIMITING FACTORS Human agricultural use Low precipitation levels Fires Absence of tree cover
ANIMAL LIFE – ADAPTATIONS Extra body fat and fur Extreme speed Extensive mucous membranes Broad, flat-topped teeth Color
CORSAC FOX NORTHERN LYNX
SAIGA ANTELOPE PRAIRIE DOG
AMERICAN BALD EAGLE BADGER
GREATER RHEA GEOFFROY’S CAT
PLANT LIFE – ADAPTATIONS Fine roots extending deep into soil Rhizomes – thick, turf-like networks Underground storage organs Lower growing points Small and flexible
MILK VETCH SWEET VERNAL
RHUBARBTUMBLEWEED
PURPLE CONEFLOWER STINGING NETTLE
INDIAN GRASS PAMPAS GRASS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Fragmentation-loss of biodiversity Dust Storms Wasteland Buildup
HUMAN PRESSURES Poorly planned agriculture Over-plowing and wind Overgrazing and irrigated salt build-up
CONSERVATION National Parks Preserves