Bison roaming on mixed grass prairie - a type of grassland - at Wind Cave National Park (U.S.)
Click on image for full size
National Park Service
Grasslands
Over one quarter of the Earth's surface is covered by grasslands. Grasslands are found on every continent
except Antarctica, and they make up most of Africa and Asia. There are several types of grassland.They are distinguished by different names
like plains, prairies, savannas and pampas.
Grasslands develop where there isn't enough rain for forests but too much rain for deserts.
Grasslands are filled with - you guessed it - grass. There are many types of grass, though. Fields of
wheat are considered grasslands, even though they are often cultivated by people. Grass is special
because it grows underneath the ground. During cold periods the grass can stay dormant until it warms up.
Last modified October 24, 2008 by Lisa Gardiner.
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