Summary Notes
As in the forest, the main vegetations are tress. Grasslands can be defined as the region where grasses are the main vegetation and they dominate over trees. As of now, 25 % of the earth's surface is covered by grass. Climate and soils play an important role in the formation of grasses.
Types of grassland:
There are two types of grassland.
- Temperate Grassland
- Prairies( meaning meadow) in North America
- Velds in South Africa
- Pampas in South America
- Steppes in Eurasia
- Tropical Grassland
- Savannas in Africa
- IIanos in Colombia and Venezuela
The Prairies
The following are the characteristics of Prairies:- It is the temperate grassland of North America
- It is bounded by rocky mountains in the west and great lakes in the east; it is part of the USA and Canada.
- In the USA, the area drained by the Missippi river and in Canada areas drained by the Saskatchewan river makes it the areas of Prairies.
- This region is the home of native American and also called it "Red Indian".
- The region is flat, gently slop or hilly land.
- It is generally treeless but woodland can be found in low lying plains.
- It is like a sea of grass and grasses are up to two meters high
The climate of Prairies:
- Since the prairies are located in the heart of continents, hence the climate is continental types with extreme temperature:
- Summer: 20 degrees C
- Winter: -20 degrees C
- Annual rainfall is moderate; ideal for the growth of grass.
- Due to the absence of the North-South barrier, local hot winds "Chinook" blow here in winter and raises the temperature within a short period of time.
Flora and Fauna:
- This region is suitable for farming as characterized by fertile soil and have sufficient water. Major crops are Maize, Soybeans, Wheat, and cotton.
- Prairies are also known as "Granaries of the world" due to a huge surplus of wheat production.
- It is also suitable for cattle rearing; large cattle forms called the Ranches. Bison or American Buffalo got extinct due to indiscriminate hunting.
- A large reserve of coal, iron ore, forestry, good networks of roads, railways is also found in this region.
The Velds
The following are the characteristics of the Velds Grasslands:
- It is a temperate grassland found in South Africa
- Velds are rolling plateaus with varying height.
- It is bunded by Drakensbug mountains on East and Kalahari desert on the west.
- Rivers:
- Orange
- Limpopo
The climate of Velds:
- Mild climate due to influences of the Indian ocean
- Winter; cold and dry. July is the coldest month.
- Summer; Short, worm, and Wet. Johannesburg recorded 20-degree temperature in Summer.
Flora and Fauna:
- Red grasses are found
- Sparsely vegetable cover
- Animal: Lion, Leopard, Cheetah
- It is known for cattle rearing and mining
- Sheep rearing
- Wool industry
- Dairy farming
- Minerals: Coal, iron, diamond, and gold.
- Johanarbug is known for the Gold capital of the world.
- Kimberley is famous for diamond mining.
- Soils are not very fertile, however, crops are grown where fertile land founds.
- Major crops are Maize, Wheat, barley, oats, and potato.
- Major cash crops are Tabacco, Sugar cane, and cotton.
Exercises:
Q1. What are the Temperate Grasslands of North America called?Answer. Prairies
Q2. What are the cattle farms in the North American Grasslands known as?
Answer. Large cattle forms known as Ranches.
Q3. Name the rivers that drain the Velds.
Answer. Rivers are: Orange and Limpopo
Q4. When is the rainy season in the Velds?
Answer.
In the Summer.
Veld lies in the southern hemisphere and summer observed from November to February.
Q5.What is the major occupation of the people of the South African grasslands?
Answer.
Major occupations are:
- Sheep rearing
- Dairy farming
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