Steppes and Prairies

Steppes Grasslands of short

bunchgrasses that get less than 50 cm of rain a year.

Low rainfall but more than a desert.

Sparse plant life. High winds and high

temperatures cause water to evaporate from the soil. Yearly temperatures range from -50C (200F) to 300C (850F).

Prairies   Make up most of

grasslands in U.S.  Characterized

by rolling hills, plains, and sod-forming grasses.

50 to 75 cm of rain a year.

Prairie Organisms Prairies *Prairie soil can

hold water well. *Most grasses of

prairies have roots that form a mat in the soil.

*This mat of soil and roots is called sod.

Prairie Organisms  The grasses that form these are called sod-

forming grasses, lawns are examples As the roots die, they form a layer of

organic matter called humus which helps hold moisture and provides additional nutrients and food for grasses and other organisms to grow.

Steppe Organisms Steppe    Referred to as short-grass

prairies.    Grasses are known as

bunchgrasses which are short, fine-bladed grasses that grow in a clump.

    These hold water in a small shoot area.

The fine blades help to prevent water from evaporating.

Animals   They adapt to

these areas by hibernating, migrating, or burrowing underground.

Prairie dogs are an example.