Terrestrial Biomes

Grassland Biome

Grassland biomes are found in many parts of the world and are often referred to as prairies, pampas, or savannas, depending on their locations and characteristics. In general, grasslands are found in temperate climates near the middle latitudes and have relatively low levels of precipitation.

The plant life of this biome is dominated by grasses, or non-woody plants. There are two main types of temperate grassland biomes. One type consists of tall grasses, which are the result of warm, humid conditions. The other type consists of short prairie grasses that are the result of dry, hot summers and cold winters. Both are known for a large, rolling terrain of grasses and wildflowers. Fires and drought are common in this biome, limiting the growth of large trees and forests.

Grasslands found in the tropical and subtropical latitudes of the southern hemisphere are called savannas. They exhibit low levels of precipitation and warm temperatures. A few shrubs and small trees grow among the grasses of the savanna.

Grasslands are home to some of the largest land animals on Earth. In Africa, grazing herbivores such as elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and antelopes depend on the plant life of the grasslands. Their predators include lions, leopards, and hyenas.

Chaparral Biome

The chaparral biome is fairly small in comparison to Earth’s other biomes. It is found at the middle latitudes and is usually located near coastal areas such as the West Coast of the United States and the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The chaparral climate is characterized by dry, hot conditions in the summer and mild winters with moderate rainfall. Because of the dry summer conditions, seasonal fires easily break out in chaparral areas.

The terrain of the chaparral tends to be rocky, with both plains and mountains. The plants that live here are adapted for these conditions. These plants, which include sagebrush, poison oak, cacti, and Torrey pines, tend to have small leaves that are able to retain moisture. Those of the Mediterranean chaparral have broader leaves because they receive more summer rainfall.

The animals are also adapted to the chaparral conditions. They seek shade during the day or become active at night to escape the hot, dry weather. Animals that live in the chaparral include jackrabbits, lizards, toads, ladybugs, skunks, foxes, and wrens.