9. Temperate Grassland Biomes

Temperate Grasslands are most often found in the interior of the continents, bordering the deserts, and located away from the Mediterranean regions. Due to lack of maritime influence, these grasslands experience continental climate, i.e. extremes of temperature. They are characterised by wide seasonal temperature variations, with warm summer and freezing winter.

 

The average annual rainfall in this region is around \(50\ cm\). The type of grassland in these regions strongly depends upon precipitation. The higher the precipitation, the taller the grass grows, and lower precipitation leads to shorter grass. The main difference from that of tropical savanna is that they are practically devoid of trees.

 

 

The temperate grasslands were once the home for grazing animals. Even in the last few centuries, these grasslands were dominated by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and sparsely populated. In recent years, the grasslands have been ploughed up for extensive, mechanised wheat cultivation.  Extensive mechanised agriculture is practised due to a lack of farm labour. The natural conditions suit the pastoral industry. The introduction of cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses proved very successful and became the main occupation. The region facilitates slaughtering of animals, packing of
raw and processed meat, dairy products etc. The common birds and animals are a grasshopper, wolf, bison, prairie dog etc.

 

Temperate grasslands are called differently in different parts of the world.