Grass land Ecosystem and Its Types

 Grassland occupies about 20% of earth's surface. In addition to grass species, some trees and shrubs are also present in grasslands. Limited grazing helps to improve the net primary production of grasslands. But, overgrazing leads to degradation of these grasslands resulting in desertification. 

Types of Grassland ecosystem 

Depending upon the climate conditions grassland can be classified into three types

1. Tropical grasslands. 

2. Temperate grasslands. 

3. Polar grasslands. 

Different types of  Grasslands

1. Tropical Grasslands 

       They are the found near the borders of tropical rain forests. They are characterized by high temperature and moderate (40 to 100 cm). It is also known as Savanna-type. They have all tall grasses with scattered shrubs and stunted trees and animals like zebras, giraffes, antelopes, etc., 

2. Temperature Grasslands 

       They are usually found in the centers of  continents, on flat, sloped hills. They are charcterized by very cold winters and hot summers. Intense grazing and summer fires, do not allow shrubs or trees to grow. 

3. Polar Grasslands 

        They are found in artic polar regions. They are characterized by severe cold and strong winds along with ice and snow. In summers several small annual plants grow. They have animals like artic wolf, weasel, artic fox, etc., 

Characteristics of Grassland ecosystems

1.Grassland ecosystem is a plain land occupied by grasses. 

2.Soil is very rich in nutrients and organic matter. 

3.Since it has tall grass, it is ideal place for grazing animals.

4.It is characterized by low or uneven rainfall.