The Grassland Biome

What is a Grassland Biome?

            Grassland biomes are characterized by large grassy terrains with flowers and herbs. Average annual precipitation is able to sustain grasses and few trees. This biome is often prone to drought and fires which prevent the growth of forest.

            There are two types of grasslands: tall grass and short grass. Tall grasslands are typically found in a humid and wet climate while short grasslands have drier, more extreme climates (ie. hotter summers and colder winters).

            This biome is found in middle latitudes in continental moist climates or subtropical dry climates. In the Southern Hemisphere, the wetter climate contributes to the tall grassland of the Pampas (Argentina). By contrast, short grassland is found from the Ukraine to Siberia due to the dry, cold climate (Russian and Asian Steppes).

            The grassland biome has two seasons: growing and dormant season. The growing season typically lasts from 100-175 days and occurs when the temperature is warm enough for grasses to grow. The dormant season occurs when frost prevents the growth of grasses. In tropical and subtropical grasslands, growing season is dependent on how long the rainy season is that year. In temperate grasslands, growing season is dependent on temperature.

            Average rainfall in temperate grasslands is 10-30 inches. Average rainfall in tropical and subtropical grasslands is 25-60 inches per year.