The New Childrens Encyclopedia

64

Grasslands

Grasslands spring up in places that are too dry for forests to grow but get enough

water to stop them from becoming deserts. Almost half of the Earth’s land surface

is covered by grasslands. They support a wide variety of animals, but the wide

open spaces offer little protection from predators for larger animals.

TROPICAL GRASSLANDS

Also called savannas, tropical grasslands have distinct wet and dry

seasons. Although it is warm all year round, rain only falls for six to

eight months of the year. During a drought the grass can catch fire,

but this is good for regenerating the savanna.

TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS

Temperate grasslands (called prairies in North America) have hot summers

and cold winters. Although they get rain throughout the year, there is too

little for trees or shrubs to survive. However, the rich soil is good for the

hundreds of wild flower species that grow among the grasses.

SAVANNA TREES

The leaves and small branches

of savanna trees provide

important food for browsing

animals such as giraffes.

WILD BISON

have been replaced by

cattle as farmers have

turned prairie into land

for agricultural grazing

and cereal crops.

ENVIRONMENTAND ECOLOGY

CHEETAHS are perfectly

camouflaged against the

savanna grass.

(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.