Transcript Grasslands (Prairie and Savannah)

GRASSLAND HABITATS
DESCRIPTION
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There are two main types of grasslands in the
world.
1. Savanna- found in warm or hot climates with
a specific rainy season that is half of the year
and a dry season for the other half. These cover
almost half of the continent of Africa.
2. Temperate grasslands, or prairies- these
grasslands have hot summers, cold winters, and
moderate rainfall during the year. The central
United States has prairies such as these.
PLANTS
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In a savannah and
prairie both, there are
few or no trees. The
plant life is mostly
grasses, wildflowers
of different types, and
low shrubs.
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COMMON PLANT
ADAPTATIONS
1. Grass has long narrow
leaves to prevent water loss.
2. Grass has deep
underground roots and
“runners” above ground to
spread out.
3.Grass leaves all come
from the very base of the
plant so that they can be
eaten and stepped on by
animals without the plant
being damaged.
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Wildflowers have brightly
colored flowers to attract
insects. These insects
spread the pollen of the
plants so that they can
reproduce.
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Wildflowers and grasses
are also adapted to
survive grass fires. The
roots under the ground will
not be harmed in a fire
even if the leaves have
been destroyed.
COMMON ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS
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In the African savanna, the dry
season can be up to 8 months
long. Many animals migrate
away from the grassland during
this time.
Some smaller animals burrow
into the ground to escape
predators and can remain
dormant or hibernate during
the dry season.
Many grazing animals have
long legs and flat teeth to grind
grasses. These animals live in
large herds for safety.
SAVANNA
 Savanna
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elephants, zebras,
giraffes, ground squirrels,
water buffalo,
hippopotami, and
antelope, grasshoppers
 Prairie
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Herbivores:
Herbivores:
prairie dogs, cattle,
grasshoppers, bison,
rabbits, deer, quail,
tortoises, and pheasants
 Savannah
Carnivores
Mammals such as
cheetahs, leopards,
hyenas, jackals, lions,
and wild dogs.
 Birds such as owls and
falcons.
 Reptiles such as snakes,
crocodiles, and lizards.
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 Prairie
Carnivores
Mammals such as
coyotes, bobcats,
mountain lions
 Birds such as owls,
eagles, and hawks.
 Reptiles such as
snakes and lizards.
 Amphibians like bull
frogs and toads.
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 Savannah
Omnivores:
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Ostriches, baboons,
wart hogs, foxes,
badgers, and meerkats
 Prairie
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Omnivores:
Prairie chickens,
skunks, racoons,
badgers,and gophers
 Scavengers:
 Hyenas,
vultures,
jackals, buzzards,
ants
 Decomposers:
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Fungi, worms, bacteria,
termites, dung beetles,