Grasslands in the World, Map, Types, Food Chain in Grassland

Grasslands in the World, Map, Types and Food Chain in Grassland

A grassland is a type of ecosystem characterized by open spaces covered primarily with various types of grasses. Check here List of Grasslands in the World Map, its types, Food Chain in Grassland here

Table of Contents

Grasslands in the World

In many parts of the world, there are big areas covered in grass instead of trees or forests. These places are called grasslands. They are like nature’s open fields where different plants and animals live. This article explore these grasslands and discover the special world they hold.

Read about: Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn

What is Grassland?

A grassland, in geographical terms, is a type of ecosystem characterized by open spaces covered primarily with various types of grasses and other non-woody plants. Unlike forests, which are dominated by trees, grasslands have a more open landscape with scattered trees or no trees at all. The vegetation in grasslands is adapted to thrive in areas with moderate rainfall and seasonal variations. The soil in grasslands is usually fertile, which supports the growth of different types of grasses and plants.

Read More: Pressure Belt of Earth

Types of Grasslands in the World

Grasslands are broadly classified into two main types: temperate grasslands and tropical grasslands. Each type exhibits distinct characteristics shaped by its geographical location, climate, and ecosystem dynamics.

Temperate grasslands are found in regions with moderate climates, such as North America, Europe, and Asia. These grasslands are often characterized by vast expanses of grasses, with relatively few trees. The temperature in temperate grasslands can vary greatly, with hot summers and cold winters. These areas are crucial for agriculture and livestock grazing due to their fertile soil and relatively flat terrain.

Tropical grasslands, also known as savannas, are typically situated in tropical regions, including parts of Africa, South America, and Asia. These grasslands are a blend of grasses and scattered trees, creating a unique landscape. Tropical grasslands experience distinct wet and dry seasons, influencing the types of vegetation and wildlife that can thrive there. These areas are home to a diverse range of animals and have cultural significance for local communities.

Further, these two main types of grasslands are divided into a number of subtypes with different names in various regions, each reflecting unique characteristics and adaptations. Here is a comprehensive table that highlights different types of grasslands.

List of Types of Grasslands in the World

Types of Grasslands in the World
S.No	Name	Region	Characteristics	Economic Importance
1	Savannas	Africa, South America, Australia	Mix of grasses and scattered trees	Grazing, ecotourism, biodiversity preservation
2	Steppes	Eurasia	Large, flat expanses, semi-arid conditions	Grazing, agriculture
3	Pampas	South America	Rich soil, moderate rainfall	Cattle ranching, agriculture
4	Prairie	North America	Fertile soil, varying precipitation	Agriculture, grazing
5	Veld	Southern Africa	Diversity of grasses, variable rainfall	Grazing, agriculture
6	Downs	Australia, New Zealand	Rolling hills, grass-dominated	Grazing, agriculture
7	Campos	South America	Wet and dry seasons, shrubs and grasses	Grazing, agriculture
8	Pustaz Grasslands	Eurasia	Semi-arid, grasses and herbs	Grazing, biodiversity conservation
9	Manchuria Grasslands	China, Russia	Cold climate, mixed grass and shrubs	Grazing, traditional land use

Read More: Rivers of India

Grasslands World Map

Read More: Northern Plains of India

Food Chain in the Grasslands

In the geographical context of a grassland ecosystem, a food chain illustrates how energy and nutrients flow from one living organism to another. In grasslands, the food chain typically starts with producers, organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis. These producers include various types of grasses and plants.

Herbivores, the animals that eat plants, form the next level of the food chain. In grasslands, herbivores can include animals like zebras, antelopes, and bison, which graze on the abundant grasses and plants.

Carnivores come next in the food chain. These are animals that eat other animals. In grasslands, carnivores include predators like lions, cheetahs, and wolves, which feed on the herbivores.

At the top of the food chain, there can be apex predators. These are carnivores that don’t have natural predators themselves. In some grassland ecosystems, apex predators can be animals like lions, which are at the highest level of the food chain.

The food chain in a grassland ecosystem demonstrates the interconnectedness of different organisms and how energy is transferred through the ecosystem. Producers capture energy from the sun, herbivores consume the producers, carnivores eat herbivores, and apex predators, if present, occupy the highest position in this chain. This complex interaction of organisms contributes to the balance and functioning of the grassland ecosystem on a geographical scale.

Read about: Plateaus in India

Grasslands in the World UPSC

The study of grasslands around the world holds significant importance within the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination framework due to its relevance to the UPSC syllabus and the comprehensive preparation required for the exam.

Grasslands, a key topic covered in the UPSC Syllabus, align with environmental geography and biodiversity, making them essential for aspirants pursuing online coaching for the UPSC exam. Aspirants often encounter questions related to global ecosystems, conservation strategies, and sustainable land use, all of which grasslands encompass. Aspirant can master such topics by joining UPSC Online Coaching platforms and practicing UPSC Mock Test.

Read about: Types of Rocks

Grasslands in the World FAQs