Earth Science: Temperate Grassland – Steppe and Prairie
Vast areas of grassland cover much of the Earth’s landmass. In tropical grassland or savanna areas, trees may be found frequently, whereas temperate or semitropical grassland areas have very little tree growth.
The term steppe, which originates from the Russian language, describes the vast plains of grassland at the center of the Eurasian continent, from eastern Europe to northern China. In North America, grasslands are called prairies. They are located in the Midwest of the United States and Canada.
The life cycle of a steppe is influenced by seasons of weather extremes. Hot summers, cold winters, and limited precipitation allow for only very short growth periods of the vegetation. Today almost all steppes are cultivated and only a few are designated protected areas. Most areas are used to grow grain or sunflowers. Some parts are also used as pasture for livestock.
The typical plants of a steppe are grasses with a finely interwoven root system, which creates a thick greensward. The grass buds remain below the surface, where they are protected from cold and dry conditions, frequently recurring fires, and grazing animals. Other plants only grow if there is sufficient water.
The steppe becomes a colorful sea of flowers during the short blossoming time available to iris, hyacinths, crocuses, and tulips. Temperate grasslands are an important resource for herbivores. Mammals living in this type of habitat tend to feed in herds, such as the fast Saiga antelopes in central Asia or strong American buffalo or bison.
Wild horses, such as the Eurasian tarpan, used to be common but are now largely extinct. Burrowing rodents are also typical inhabitants of the temperate grass- lands. Their extensive tunnel systems ensure mixing and aeration of the soil. The Eurasian counterpart to the North American prairie dog is the bobak marmot or steppe marmot.
Several species of guinea pigs are native to the South American grasslands. These rodents are the preferred food of many carnivores in the grasslands, such as coyotes in North America or the long-legged maned wolf of South America.
BASICS
SALT STEPPES are found near salt lakes.
DESERT STEPPES are a zone of transition between grasslands and deserts.
CULTIVATED STEPPES emerge where trees have been felled for agriculture.