The grassland biome includes terrestrial habitats that are dominated by grasses

and have relatively few large trees or shrubs. There are three main types of
grasslands—temperate grasslands, tropical grasslands (also known as savannas), and
steppe grasslands.

Variety of Wildlife

Grasslands support a variety of wildlife including reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds

and many types of invertebrates. The dry grasslands of Africa are among the most
ecologically diverse of all grasslands and support populations of animals such as
giraffes, zebras, lions, hyenas, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The grasslands of
Australia provide habitat for kangaroos, mice, snakes, and a variety of birds. The
grasslands of North America and Europe support wolves, wild turkeys, coyotes, Canada
geese, cranes, bison, bobcats, and eagles. Some common plant species that occur in
North American grasslands include buffalo grass, asters, coneflowers, clover,
goldenrods, and wild indigos.

The following are the key characteristics of the grassland biome:

 Vegetation structure that is dominated by grasses

 Semi-arid climate
 Rainfall and soils not sufficient to support significant
tree growth
 Most common at mid-latitudes and near the interiors
of continents
 Grasslands are often exploited for agricultural use

Classification

The grassland biome is divided into the following habitats:

Temperate grasslands - Temperate grasslands are habitats that are dominated

by grasses and have lack trees and large shrubs. Temperate grasslands include
tall-grass prairies which are wet and humid and short-grass prairies which are dry
and experience hot summers and cold winters.

Tropical grasslands - Tropical grasslands are grasslands that are located near
the equator. They have warmer, wetter climates than temperate grasslands and
experience more pronounced seasonal droughts.

Steppe grasslands - Steppe grasslands are dry grasslands that border on semi-
arid deserts.