Unit b chapter 1 section 4

Unit b chapter 1 section 4

• 1.
  Vocabulary • Grassland: anecosystem made up of large, flat areas of land that are covered with grass
• 2.
  Grasslands • Grasses donot 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 overthe 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 • Pronghornantelope, 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