Distinguish between tropical and temperate grasslands.

Grasslands are vast areas of open land where the dominant vegetation consists of grasses and herbaceous (non-woody) plants. They can be found on every continent and cover around 25% of the Earth's surface. There are two main types of grasslands: tropical and temperate grasslands.

One of the primary differences between tropical and temperate grasslands is their climate. Tropical grasslands have a warm and humid climate, with temperatures usually above 20°C year-round and relatively consistent rainfall throughout the year. Temperate grasslands, on the other hand, experience a more varied climate, with significant differences in temperatures and precipitation between seasons. Winter temperatures can be below freezing, and summers are warm but not as hot as in tropical grasslands.

Each type of grassland has different vegetation types due to the differences in climate. Tropical grasslands, also known as savannas, have tall grass varieties along with scattered trees like Baobab, Acacia and Eucalyptus. The trees are adapted to harsh weather conditions, such as droughts, and often have thick barks for protection. In contrast, temperate grasslands, also referred to as prairies or steppes, have shorter grasses and fewer trees. The dominant grass species in these regions are blue grama, buffalo grass, needlegrass, and switchgrass.

Another key difference between the two types of grasslands is their geographic location. Tropical grasslands are found closer to the equator, in regions such as Africa, South America, and Australia. Examples of tropical grasslands include the African Savanna, Brazilian Cerrado, and Australian Rangelands. Temperate grasslands, on the other hand, can be found in mid-latitude regions, further away from the equator, such as North America, Europe, and Asia. Notable examples include the North American Great Plains, Eurasian Steppe, and Argentine Pampas.

The plants and animals living in tropical and temperate grasslands have adapted to their specific environments. In tropical grasslands, large herbivores such as elephants, zebras, and wildebeest graze on the tall grasses, while predators like lions and cheetahs rely on the grass cover for hunting. Trees have adapted to fire and drought by developing thick barks and deep taproots to find water. Plants in temperate grasslands often have deep roots to survive the harsh climates and store water, while many animals, such as bison and prairie dogs, have the capability to cope with the extreme temperature fluctuations. Additionally, many animal species rely on the grasslands for migrating and breeding. By understanding these significant differences between tropical and temperate grasslands, you can now distinguish between the two types based on climate, vegetation, location, and adaptations of plants and animals.