Grassland Dominant Plants

Introduction

The terrestrial parts of the earth are inhabited by various types of living organisms depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. Some regions on earth receive adequate rainfall and support thick vegetation. While deserts receive extremely scanty rainfall, sparsely supporting plant growth. Flora and fauna inhabiting deserts are specially adapted to survive even the extreme aridity. Some dry regions receiving low rainfall lack huge trees and are populated by tall grasses. They are called grasslands or grassland ecosystems, or grassland biomes. There are many natural grasslands on earth, on almost all continents except Antarctica. Pampas, steppes, and prairies are popular among them.

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Grassland origin

As with the environmental point of concern, grasslands originate in areas receiving low rainfall and support simple plant growth, not to the extent of large trees. Abundant rainfall supports healthy tree growth, while scanty rains do not support plant life. Regions transiting between both receive optimal climatic conditions for large open grasslands. Some regions receive adequate rainfall. However, the prevailing infertile soils cannot support trees. As a result, grasses grow up vigorously, forming grasslands. Some regions experience frequent water logging and floods. Seasons of dry climate in those areas support temporary grasslands.

Types of grasslands

Irregular and scanty precipitation limits the vegetation in grasslands. Vegetation is largely dominated by grasses with sparsely distributed trees and shrubs. Grasslands are again of different types.

Tropical grasslands

Also called Savanna and receives rainfall of around 50-130cm. They remain warm year-round and are the best hunting grounds. Grasses dominate vegetation, along with some dry shrubs and trees.

Temperate grasslands

They receive rainfall between 25-75cm. These grasslands experience climate extremes of both cold and heat during rain and summer, respectively. Cold temperatures make the growth of vegetation slow. Sometimes the precipitation is in the form of snow or dew drops.

Flooded grasslands

They are wet year-round and are some favourite sites for migratory birds.

Montane or high-altitude grasslands

Grasslands of mountains where vegetation is above the tree line level are called montane grasslands. Trees usually have wax-coated leaves and are pine shaped to withstand the current climates. Fauna includes fur-coated animals.

Desert grasslands

The climate is hotter, and they receive very low rainfall.

Tundra grasslands

Grasslands of the subpolar regions with chilling temperatures support the vegetation. Growing seasons are short, and plants are grasses with occasional shrubs.

Flora of grassland ecosystem

Grasslands are dominated by grasses (members of Poaceae) along with some members of Cyperaceae (graminoids) and Juncaceae (morphologically resemble grasses). Some shrubs and trees in dry environments also grow based on rainfall patterns and prevailing soil moisture.

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Species like purple needle grass, buffalo grass, blue grama, galleta, and red oat grass, along with some wildflowers like asters, hyssop, milkweed and yarrow, are popular grassland plants.

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The predominance of grasses and grass-like monocotyledonous members is because of the plant structure, which favours their extensive prevalence. The ability of grass to grow well in low rainfall regions receiving high sunlight makes them suitable plants for grasslands. The monocotyledonous plants have dense fibrous roots, which form a thick mat on the ground holding loose soil particles tightly. It helps plants to withstand seasonal fires and support their easy regrowth. Apart from these, the grasses grow from the base and can retain their growth, even being eaten up by herbivores that dominate equally in grasslands.

Functions

• The grassland flora is the producer of many food chains. Because of the diversity in the fauna, grasslands are the base for many food webs in their respective niches.

• Low and inadequate rainfall can lead to mineral leaching in an ecosystem which is prevented by the grasslands. The dead grasses, along with the decaying carcasses of the fauna inhabiting grasslands, add up extra nutrients and fertility to the soil.

• The fibrous root network of grasses holds soil together and prevents soil erosion. If they are properly managed without being overgrazed, grasslands hold the top soil layer perfectly.

• The grassland vegetation is the carbon sink for reducing carbon emissions.

Economic importance of grasslands

• Grasslands are natural grazing areas for livestock across different parts of the world. Cattle breeders in some regions collect grasses from the grasslands to store and feed their cattle during dry seasons when vegetation is relatively low.

• The dependent livestock is a source of fertiliser, meat, dairy products, leather and fur, supplementing the breeders on commercial aspects.

• Grassland vegetation is a source of fuel. Some species are developed specifically to serve as the source of biofuels.

• Grasslands are enriched in biodiversity and are sites for recreational purposes.

• Studying grassland plants helps us understand different plant strategies adapted for growth in dry climates. It helps in effective pasture management and also led to the development of tetraploids in the agricultural sector.

Conclusion

Grasslands are large and open areas of vegetation, mainly consisting of grasses and scarcely populated trees or shrubs. The rainfall and prevailing environmental conditions do not favour the growth of large trees. They are generally in the transit regions between forests and deserts. Grasslands are overgrown with grasses like red oat grass, buffalo grasses, milkweeds and other members of Poaceae, Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. The primary-level consumers and secondary-level consumers add richness to the biodiversity forming great ecosystems. Environmentally, grasslands are carbon sinks and prevent soil erosion and leaching. They are natural grazing sites for cattle across the world and are a source of hay and honey. Proper maintenance and prevention of overgrazing is the best method to protect the existing grasslands.

FAQs

Q1. What is the fauna of grassland ecosystems?

Ans. Rabbits, deers, antelopes, bison, termites, beetles and several insect species are herbivores. Wolves, foxes, hyenas, moles, mice, leopards, cheetahs and lions form the natural fauna of grasslands. Some species are facing a risk of extinction because of poacher activity and illegal poaching. Cattle like cows, buffaloes, and sheep are frequent visitors to grasslands.

Q2. Name some different grasslands across the world.

Ans. Prairies, Steppes, Savanna, Campos, Pampas, and Down grasslands are popular grasslands across the world.

Q3. How do fires pose threat to grasslands?

Ans. Fires are a natural threat to grasslands. Dry seasons and wind speed due to lack of hindering forces like trees add up the force for easy spread of fires in grasslands. However, grasses can regrow with complete vigour even after massive fires.

Q4. What are possible threats to grasslands?

Ans. Grasslands can be maintained well if overgrazing is prevented. Agricultural invasion is another major threat to grasslands.

Q5. What is the prevalence of grasslands on earth?

Ans. Grasslands span around 25% of terrestrial parts on earth.

Q6. Give an example of threatened animal species in a grassland ecosystem in India.

Ans. One-horned rhinoceros is facing a major risk from poachers in northeast India. The animal inhabits the foothills of the Himalayas rich with tall grasses. They are hunted for the horn.