Temperate Grasslands/Prairie Biome

Animals1. Franklin's Ground Squirrel2. Plain Pockets Gopher3. Pronghorn Antelope4. Whitetail Deer5. Northern Pintail

Plant LifeDominated by grasses -large deep root systems (hold down soil and help prevent erosion) -can be tall or short depending on location and amount of rainfall received -some can grow to be up to 10 feet -many have adapted to occasional fires, seasonal drought, and grazing by large mammals - prevents trees and large shrubs from growing

Geography-Primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere-Can be large or small areas-One of the largest is the US prairie land (only 1% remains untouched)-The soil is unusually rich, fertile, and deep-Prairie subdivisions: -Tall Grass Prairie- areas with rich soil, moderate precipitation, and tall grasses -Short Grass Prairie- areas with little precipitation and short grass-the land is mostly flat with small hills

Temperate Grassland/Prairie

Works Cited"Early-Season Destinations: Four Prairie Waterfowling Hotspots." Early-Season Destinations: Four Prairie Waterfowling Hotspots. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. ."Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. ."Grassland Biome." Animal Facts and Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2015. ."The Grassland Biome." The Grassland Biome. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2015. ."North American Prairie." North American Prairie. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. ."Prairie:Introduction." Prairie:Introduction. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. ."Temperate Grasslands Biome: Location, Plants, Animals, Soil - Conserve Energy Future." ConserveEnergyFuture. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 03, 04, and 05 Nov. 2015. ."Temperate Grasslands." Defenders of Wildlife. N.p., 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 03 and 04 Nov. 2015. ."Wildlife of the Prairies Ecozone." Wildlife of the Prairies Ecozone. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015. .

MeteorologyClimate---Climates are more moist close to the mountains and to the east and north; they are driest in the central portionsWeatherPrecipitation is in the late spring and early summer Annual average of Rain= 20-35 inches of rain---the amount of annual rainfall affects the height of the vegetation (taller grass in wetter areas)Temperature-Summer temperatures = 21° C (70°F ) or more -Winter temperatures = -40° C (-40° F) or lessTwo Seasons 1. Growing Season- the length of the growing season depends on the length of the rainy season 2. Dormant Season- nothing is able to grow due to cold temperatures

Hot Spot?Devils Lake, North Dakota Jamestown, North Dakota ---the waterfowl population (includes ducks, geese, and swans) are endangered in these areas---these animals are being hunted down by people taking advantage of the land

Biome:

Map of Grasslands

Characteristics of Animals-many prey have front legs and paws that help them to burrow into the ground---they are protected from predators thereHide from Predators-many prairie animals are nocturnal---they are active at night which keeps them hidden from predators-their color blends in with the plant life---helps them hide from their predators

Plants1. Big Bluestem Grass 2. Blue Grama Grass 3. Buffalo Grass4. Milkweed5. Purple Coneflower

Botany