Grasslands are ecosystems dominated by grasses that do not require much water. They receive moderate rainfall annually, mostly in spring and summer. Major grasslands include North American prairies, Central American pampas, and Ukrainian steppes, which all have flat, grass-covered landscapes suitable for various herbivores and their predators. Grassland animals include pronghorn, rabbits, deer, and prairie dogs that eat grasses, while being hunted by coyotes, badgers, and snakes, with smaller prey also targeted by hawks and owls. Many grassland animals live underground or are swift runners as adaptations to predators and the environment.

1. Vocabulary
• Grassland: an ecosystem made up of large, flat
areas of land that are covered with grass

2. Grasslands
• Grasses do not need a lot of water to grow
– Their branching roots soak up water from a wide area
of soil
– Long, thin leaves do not lose much water to the air
around them
• Just the right amount of rain for grasses to grow
– Hot in summer and cold in winter
– Receive 30 to 60 centimeters (12-24 inches) of rain a
year
– Most rain falls in spring and summer than in fall and
winter

3. Grasslands all over the world
• In North America, grasslands are called prairies
– Stretch from the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains
• Central America-pampas
• Ukraine-steppes
• All look similar
– Large, flat areas of land covered with grass
– All have the right temperature and rainfall for grasses
to grow well
• Today many grassland have become farms,
ranches and towns.

4. Grassland Animals
• Pronghorn antelope, rabbits, deer,
mice, and prairie dogs all eat the
grasses of the North American
prairies.
• Hunted by foxes, coyotes, badgers,
and rattlesnakes
• Smaller animals are prey for hawks
and owls
• Grasshoppers provide food for birds
and some snakes
• Some live in underground burrows to
hide from predators.
– Protect animal from dry winds and grass
fires
– Warmer than outside air during winter
• Many large animals are good runners
which can help to escape a predator
or to catch prey