Welcome to the Grasslands!
Hi! We are Green Grasslands, you can find us almost anywhere. Our zoo contains life that only lives in the grasslands of course. The temperature here is fair and there are many animals that you can visit! We sponsor events, concerts and races.
Plants!
We have many different flower types here in our wonderful grasslands. We have the Sunflower, Blazing Stars, Goldenrods, Coneflowers, Wild Indigo, and Asters. These flowers are generally found around the well watered types of grass with nutrients in the soil for food to keep them healthy and a live.
The Biosphere and Animal Distributions
Objectives: Identify major characteristics of terrestrial biomes and aquatic ecosystems.
The biosphere is the thin outer layer of the earth that is capable of supporting life. Subdivisions of the biosphere are as followed:
It is roughly 3500 km from the earth to the outer layer of the atmosphere. Only 8-15 Km is capable of supporting life.
Atmospheric gases and percentages found in the atmosphere of each: Oxygen 21% , Nitrogen 78%, CO2 0.03%, H2O (vapor) Trace Amount, Argon 0.93%
A biome is major biotic unit bearing a characteristics and is easily recognized array of plant life.
Classify Biomes:
Each biome is distinct by flora and fauna. Borders really cannot be defined. plants and communities blend, while ecoline are indistinct boundaries where dominant plants of adjacent biomes are mixed. Although borders cannot be defined... We are not...
Distinctiveness of biomes are determined by:
7 principal terrestrial biomes are:
Aquatic Biomes:
Vicariance
Cladograms
If we eliminate the bird name and leave the region, we can apply this cladogram to the
Machanism of Continental Drift
Earth’s continents had been drifting like draft following the breakup of Pangea 200 million years ago.
Temporary Land Bridge
Land Bridges
50m-3m years ago is was under water.
The biosphere is the thin outer layer of the earth that is capable of supporting life. Subdivisions of the biosphere are as followed:
- Ecosphere: Set all living things, plants and animals.
- Lithosphere: Rocky materials of the earth.
- Hydrosphere: All things water.
- Atmosphere: All the gases that reside in the troposphere.
It is roughly 3500 km from the earth to the outer layer of the atmosphere. Only 8-15 Km is capable of supporting life.
Atmospheric gases and percentages found in the atmosphere of each: Oxygen 21% , Nitrogen 78%, CO2 0.03%, H2O (vapor) Trace Amount, Argon 0.93%
A biome is major biotic unit bearing a characteristics and is easily recognized array of plant life.
- A distinctive combination of plants and animals
- Usually identified by its dominant plant formation
Classify Biomes:
- Terrestrial
- Aquatic
Each biome is distinct by flora and fauna. Borders really cannot be defined. plants and communities blend, while ecoline are indistinct boundaries where dominant plants of adjacent biomes are mixed. Although borders cannot be defined... We are not...
Distinctiveness of biomes are determined by:
- Climate
- Characteristics of rain fall
- Temperature of region
- Amount of solar radiation
7 principal terrestrial biomes are:
- Temperate deciduous forest
- Temperate coniferous forest
- Tropical rainforest
- Grassland
- Taiga
- Tundra
- Desert
Aquatic Biomes:
- Fresh, inland water.
- Oceanic Environments
Vicariance
- Continental drift Biggest hypothesis to explain disjunction of flightless birds
Cladograms
- Show relationships among organisms and their ancestors.
If we eliminate the bird name and leave the region, we can apply this cladogram to the
Machanism of Continental Drift
- 1912- Alfred Wegener
- Became more people with discussion of tectonic plates
Earth’s continents had been drifting like draft following the breakup of Pangea 200 million years ago.
Temporary Land Bridge
- Old
- Current
Land Bridges
- Old: Bering Strait Between Asia and North America
- Current: Panama (Isthmus) connects North America and South America
50m-3m years ago is was under water.
Attractions
There are many fun things that you can do in a grassland. You can observe many things from animals to plants. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of fun things to do. You can try to feed the animals. Just do cry to us when your hand gets bit off. Some great pass times are as followed:
naming types of flowers, moth and butterfly spotting, and bird watching.
naming types of flowers, moth and butterfly spotting, and bird watching.
Some of the other biomes that are next to our Grasslands are the Desert biome and Forest biome.
Abiotic Factors
Weather Report
The grasslands' weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit, and it should be expected that the weather may present certain dangers to your visit. It is always best to plan ahead and first decide what exactly you want to see and do when you arrive and then plan according to that, because when visiting the grasslands there may be some unexpected surprises.
Summer/Spring Weather (Growing Season)
During the Summer months expect high temperatures and possibly light rainfall. The temperatures can reach scorching heights over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's best to bring light clothes and plenty of water. Rainfall is generally light to non-existent. Winds can reach steady speeds leading to a strong breeze sweeping through the plains, which may offer some comfort during the warm daylight hours.
Spring is generally the time of year when rain is the heaviest. The foliage that has been dormant for much of the winter springs back to life at full force when the rains fall, resulting in an explosion of life throughout the biome. If you are looking for ample wildlife and beautiful weather, visiting during the spring may be your best bet.
Potential Dangers
Heavy rainfall during the spring can lead to thunderstorms. The lightning caused by these storms may strike the land cause rapid moving fires. These may present a hazard to anyone in the area. These flash fires, believe it or not, are actually a part of a natural process. The fire burns grasses which leave fertile soil for new grasses to grow and also prevents the emergence of slow growing trees. Grass grows much more quickly and therefor can easily replace the burned landscapes. High temperatures may also pose a threat to anyone in the park. In response we advise any visitors to bring lots of water and to look out for the signs of potential flash fires.
Fall/Winter Weather (Dormant Season)
The dormant season in the grasslands are a lot more temperate than the growing season, but as you approach the winter months there is an excessive drop in temperature. Winter temperatures can reach as cold as 40 below in some areas along with heavy snow fall. If anyone plans to visit during these months prepare with heavy clothing and suitable footwear for snow.
Potential dangers
Freezing temperatures may lead to hypothermia and or frostbite if a person isn't prepared for the weather, so always plan ahead. Heavy snowfall may potentially cause road blocks or prevent weaker individuals from moving across the landscape. The best time to visit in the dormant season is during the fall when temperatures are cool and the winds are low.
Threats to the Biome
This is very important information you should know. Please do not harm this Biome. Grasslands consists of living things that flammable. Fire can burn away the grassland leaving just the dirt behind. Do not bring gasoline and a match to light the Grassland on fire. However, it does benefit by the surviving roots store nutrients and have a space and chance to grow. Fires can also can give some nutrients to the soil and fight back intruding forests.
Agriculture has the worst effect on the grassland soil. Grazing allows the land to have a diverse ecosystem. Allowing domesticated farm animals to overgraze on the land destroys the vegetation, which loses the plant diversity. The worst part about agriculture is when farmer’s crops invite the use of pesticides and infestations. Plowing the land destroys the top soil that consists of moss and lichen making the good soil vulnerable to the wind. The soil losses the nutrients from the soil being farmed. The crops hosts for diseases and pests. It leads the use of pesticides which causes the soil to lose nutrients.
Agriculture has the worst effect on the grassland soil. Grazing allows the land to have a diverse ecosystem. Allowing domesticated farm animals to overgraze on the land destroys the vegetation, which loses the plant diversity. The worst part about agriculture is when farmer’s crops invite the use of pesticides and infestations. Plowing the land destroys the top soil that consists of moss and lichen making the good soil vulnerable to the wind. The soil losses the nutrients from the soil being farmed. The crops hosts for diseases and pests. It leads the use of pesticides which causes the soil to lose nutrients.
Endangered living things
You may not know this but the grasslands have endangered living things. Here are images below! Help save the environment!
Here are just some of the cutest ones! See reference for more!
Here are just some of the cutest ones! See reference for more!
References
June 12: The Fantastic Fountain Thistle . (n.d.). Wild Equity Institute . Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://wildequity.org/entries/3079
Orlov's viper. (n.d.). Arkive.org. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from cdn2.arkive.org/media/F3/F30B24AC-1FE2-4598-AB57-C524F4C77E1A/Presentation.Large/Orlovs-viper-defensive-posture.jpg
» Coalition for Otero Mesa — BlackTailed_ PrairieDogs. (n.d.). » Coalition for Otero Mesa — Dentist converts to supporting Otero Mesa preservation. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.oteromesa.org/biodiversity/black-tailed-prairie-dog/attachment/blacktailed_-prairiedogs/
Arslan . (n.d.). Arslan . Retrieved February 14, 2013, from www.arsalan.net/2013/01/desert-death-fact.html
Black-footed Ferret. (n.d.). Arizona Game and Fish Department: azgfd.gov. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/blackfooted_ferret.shtml
Cardenas, H. (n.d.). Names of Plants That Live in Grasslands | eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | eHow.com. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.ehow.com/list_7518916_names-plants-live-grasslands.html
Endangered Grassland Animals, Grassland Animals Endangered. (n.d.). Animal Information - Animal Facts and Wild Animal Pictures. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.animalport.com/endangered-animals/endangered-grassland-animals.html
Endangered Grassland Plants - Golden Gate National Recreation Area. (n.d.). U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.nps.gov/goga/naturescience/endangered-grassland-plants.htm
Grassland Plants. (n.d.). Hamilton Naturalists' Club. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.hamiltonnature.org/habitats/grasslands/grass_plants.htm
Grassland Plants. (n.d.). Hamilton Naturalists' Club. Retrieved February 7, 2013, from http://www.hamiltonnature.org/habitats/grasslands/grass_plants.htm
Grasslands. (n.d.). Grasslands. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.blueplanetbiomes.org/grasslands.htm
Grasslands. (n.d.). Hinderland. Retrieved February 14, 2013, from www.hww.ca/en/where-they-live/grasslands.html
Grasslands Threats, Wetlands Threats - National Geographic. (n.d.). Environment Facts, Environment Science, Global Warming, Natural Disasters, Ecosystems, Green Living - National Geographic. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/grassland-threats/
Grasslands and their habitats. (n.d.). BBC. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.bbc.co.uk/handsonnature/grasslands/activities.shtml
Index of /lessons/less/biomes/rainforest/raingifs. (n.d.). World Builders Home Page Build Your Own World!!! . Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.world-builders.org/lessons/less/biomes/rainforest/raingifs/
M., S. (n.d.). Grasslands Biome. Blue Planet Biomes. Retrieved February 11, 2013, from http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/grasslands.htm
National Park Service. (n.d.). Prescribed Fire Gallery. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.nps.gov/pore/photosmultimedia/Prescribed-Fire-Gallery.htm
Pentachaeta bellidiflora - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentachaeta_bellidiflora
Savanna Biome Facts. (n.d.). Buzzle. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.buzzle.com/articles/savanna-biome-facts.html
The cost of a green forest economy:40billlion. (n.d.). ZME Science. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.zmescience.com/ecology/environmental-issues/green-forest-06062011/
APA formatting by BibMe.org.
Orlov's viper. (n.d.). Arkive.org. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from cdn2.arkive.org/media/F3/F30B24AC-1FE2-4598-AB57-C524F4C77E1A/Presentation.Large/Orlovs-viper-defensive-posture.jpg
» Coalition for Otero Mesa — BlackTailed_ PrairieDogs. (n.d.). » Coalition for Otero Mesa — Dentist converts to supporting Otero Mesa preservation. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.oteromesa.org/biodiversity/black-tailed-prairie-dog/attachment/blacktailed_-prairiedogs/
Arslan . (n.d.). Arslan . Retrieved February 14, 2013, from www.arsalan.net/2013/01/desert-death-fact.html
Black-footed Ferret. (n.d.). Arizona Game and Fish Department: azgfd.gov. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/blackfooted_ferret.shtml
Cardenas, H. (n.d.). Names of Plants That Live in Grasslands | eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | eHow.com. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.ehow.com/list_7518916_names-plants-live-grasslands.html
Endangered Grassland Animals, Grassland Animals Endangered. (n.d.). Animal Information - Animal Facts and Wild Animal Pictures. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.animalport.com/endangered-animals/endangered-grassland-animals.html
Endangered Grassland Plants - Golden Gate National Recreation Area. (n.d.). U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.nps.gov/goga/naturescience/endangered-grassland-plants.htm
Grassland Plants. (n.d.). Hamilton Naturalists' Club. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.hamiltonnature.org/habitats/grasslands/grass_plants.htm
Grassland Plants. (n.d.). Hamilton Naturalists' Club. Retrieved February 7, 2013, from http://www.hamiltonnature.org/habitats/grasslands/grass_plants.htm
Grasslands. (n.d.). Grasslands. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.blueplanetbiomes.org/grasslands.htm
Grasslands. (n.d.). Hinderland. Retrieved February 14, 2013, from www.hww.ca/en/where-they-live/grasslands.html
Grasslands Threats, Wetlands Threats - National Geographic. (n.d.). Environment Facts, Environment Science, Global Warming, Natural Disasters, Ecosystems, Green Living - National Geographic. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/grassland-threats/
Grasslands and their habitats. (n.d.). BBC. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.bbc.co.uk/handsonnature/grasslands/activities.shtml
Index of /lessons/less/biomes/rainforest/raingifs. (n.d.). World Builders Home Page Build Your Own World!!! . Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://www.world-builders.org/lessons/less/biomes/rainforest/raingifs/
M., S. (n.d.). Grasslands Biome. Blue Planet Biomes. Retrieved February 11, 2013, from http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/grasslands.htm
National Park Service. (n.d.). Prescribed Fire Gallery. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.nps.gov/pore/photosmultimedia/Prescribed-Fire-Gallery.htm
Pentachaeta bellidiflora - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentachaeta_bellidiflora
Savanna Biome Facts. (n.d.). Buzzle. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.buzzle.com/articles/savanna-biome-facts.html
The cost of a green forest economy:40billlion. (n.d.). ZME Science. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from www.zmescience.com/ecology/environmental-issues/green-forest-06062011/
APA formatting by BibMe.org.