Grasslands

The Temperate Grasslands
The temperate grasslands, also called prairie, feature hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall is uncertain and drought is common. The temperate grasslands usually receive about 10 to 30 inches of precipitation per year. The soil is extremely rich in organic material due to the fact that the above-ground portions of grasses die off annually, enriching the soil. The area is well-suited to agriculture, and few original prairies survive today.

Temperate Grassland (Prairie) Plant Adaptations

During a fire, while above-ground portions of grasses may perish, the root portions survive to sprout again
Some prairie trees have thick bark to resist fire
Prairie shrubs readily resprout after fire
Roots of prairie grasses extend deep into the ground to absorb as much moisture as they can
Extensive root systems prevent grazing animals from pulling roots out of the ground
Prairie grasses have narrow leaves which lose less water than broad leaves
Grasses grow from near their base, not from tip, thus are not permanently damaged from grazing animals or fire
Many grasses take advantage of exposed, windy conditions and are wind pollinated
Soft stems enable prairie grasses to bend in the wind


Soft stems enable prairie grasses to bend in the wind. Narrow leaves minimize water loss.	Many grasses are wind pollinated and are well-suited to the exposed, windy conditions of the grasslands.

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