TRAVEL TO TREMENDOUS TERRIFIC TURKEY (that alliteration though)

(wow nice grass)

Where else in the world is it located? 

Turkey is a temperate grassland biome.

Other parts of the world that have the same biome as Turkey are countries such as China and the plains and prairies of North America. 

Climate (Precipitation/Temperature characteristics)

Precipitation is less in temperate grasslands. Average precipitation ranges from 20-35 inches per year.Temperatures vary according to the season. In winter, temperatures can go to -17 degrees Celsius in some areas. In summer, temperatures can go to 32 degrees Celsius.



Animals found in the biome

Animals vary in temperate grasslands. It can include bison, gazelles, zebras, rhinoceroses, and wild horses, lions, and wolves. Other animals are: deer, prairie dogs, mice, jack rabbits, skunks, coyotes, snakes, foxes, owls, badgers, blackbirds, grasshoppers, meadowlarks, sparrows, quails, and hawks. 


(bye son)

Plants found in the biome (Vegetation type)

Since there is less precipitation in temperate grasslands, very tall trees would be hard to spot. Although, grasses  have adapted to cold temperatures and drought so they have deep, massive root systems that take hold in the soil. This allows the grasses to remain firmly rooted in the ground to reduce erosion and to conserve water. Some examples of vegetation include buffalo grass, cacti, sagebrush, perennial grasses, sunflowers, wild indigos, and clovers. 



(so much grass)

 How have animals adapted to live within this biome?



Some animals have certain features that help them survive in this biome. A Ungulates, which is a mammal that has hoofs just like horses and deer. Their long legs helps them escape from predators in the temperate grassland. Ungulates are also plant-eating mammals and the temperate grassland is a perfect source of food for them as temperate grasslands contain an abundance of grass. The dominant animals in temperate grasslands are herbivorous or plant-eaters. Due to the lack of trees and open space in temperate grasslands, many temperate grassland animals have front legs and paws that are adapted to dig burrows where they can be safe from predators.



(yaaasss hoofs)

How have plants adapted to live within this biome?

There are many species of grasses that occupy temperate grasslands which include purple needlegrass, wild oats, foxtail, ryegrass, and buffalo grass. Many animals have grass as their main food source but grass survives because the growth point of the grass is close to the ground and are not easily destroyed by fire compared to shrubs and trees because grass have underground stems and buds.





What is the soil type associated with the biome?

The type of soil associated with temperate grasslands are chernozem. Chernozem is a fertile black soil rich in humus that contains a lighter lime-rich layer beneath.




What are some Limiting Factors?

Grass fires are a limiting factor because they can deplte food source for many animals that live in a temprate grassland. Another factor is the grazing of livestock which can cause disruption of the grasslands and allow the spreading of cacti and invasive plant species.




What are the Human Impacts on this biome?

Many animals have been hunted for their value such as bison, which results in the near extinction of these animals. Due to the burning of fossil fuels by humans, wildfires can occur on the grass which will damage the soil. Humans also use temperate grasslands for agriculture which can cause soil erosion.


(wildfire bad)

Bibliography

Bailey, Regina. "Temperate Grasslands (Climate, Vegetation, Animals)." About Education. NA, na. Web. 04 Apr. 2015.

Carr, Kevin. "What Are the Impacts of Humans on Grassland Biomes? | The Classroom | Synonym." The Classroom. NA, na. Web. 04 Apr. 2015.

NA, NA. "KDE Santa Barbara." KDE Santa Barbara. NA, 2004. Web. 04 Apr. 2015.

NA, NA. "Temperate Grasslands Biome." Temperate Grasslands Biome. NA, 2003. Web. 04 Apr. 2015.