Temperate grasslands are a global biome characterized by vast, open expanses dominated by grasses. These ecosystems are found across various continents, thriving in specific climatic zones. Their worldwide distribution showcases adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.
Defining Temperate Grasslands
Temperate grasslands are distinguished by vegetation consisting mainly of grasses, with few trees or large shrubs. This absence of woody vegetation is due to factors like drought, cold temperatures, or natural fires. The climate features pronounced seasonal changes, including hot summers and cold winters.
Annual precipitation in temperate grasslands ranges from 20 to 35 inches (50 to 88.9 cm). This moderate rainfall supports herbaceous plants, while fertile soil, rich in nutrients from decaying grass roots, allows grasses to flourish. Grasses have adapted to cope with cold temperatures, drought, and occasional fires, often with deep root systems that conserve water.
Worldwide Locations of Grasslands
Temperate grasslands are found on every continent except Antarctica, each region known by a unique local name. These mid-latitude ecosystems occur between 30 and 60 degrees north and south of the equator.
In North America, these grasslands are known as prairies. They stretch across the central lowlands and high plains of the United States and Canada, from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the Great Lakes and Appalachian Highlands in the east. Tallgrass prairies are found in areas with more rainfall, while shorter grasses characterize drier western regions.
South America is home to the Pampas, fertile grasslands covering over 460,000 square miles (1,200,000 square kilometers). These plains span Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Pampas extend from the Atlantic coast westward towards the Andean foothills.
Across Eurasia, the grasslands are referred to as steppes. This belt stretches 5,000 miles (8,000 km) from Hungary in the west, through Ukraine, Russia, and Central Asia, into Mongolia and Manchuria. The Eurasian Steppe is broadly divided into a western segment (near the Black Sea and lower Volga) and an eastern segment (encompassing Mongolia).
In Southern Africa, the temperate grasslands are called the Veld. This landscape is found in South Africa, extending into countries like Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. The Veld is categorized by altitude into highveld, middleveld, and lowveld.
Australia has temperate grasslands called Downs and Rangelands. The Downs are found in southeastern Queensland, extending into New South Wales and Victoria. The Rangelands cover a vast portion of the Australian interior, including grasslands where rainfall is low or unreliable.