ROSHINI.

INTRODUCTION
Grassland occupies about 20% of
earths surface.In addition to grass species,some trees and shrubs are also present in grasslands.limited grazing helps to improve the net primary production of the grasslands.But

overgrazing leads to degradation of these grasslands resulting in desertification.

Types of grassland ecosystem

Depending upon the climate conditions grassland can be classified in to three types 1. Tropical grasslands. 2. Temperate grasslands.
3. Polar grasslands.

Features of different type of grassland

Tropical grassland
They are found near the borders of tropical rain forest. They are characterized by high temperature and moderate rainfall. It is also known as savanna type.

They have tall grasses with scattered shrubs and stunted trees
And and animals like Zebras,antelopes, Giraffes,etc

Temperate grassland: They are usually found in the centres of continents, on flat sloped hills.they are characterized by very cold winters and hot summers. Intense grazing and summer fires Do not allow shrubs or trees to

Grow.

polar grassland:
They are found in arctic polar regions. They are characterised by severe cold and strong winds along with ice and snow. In summers several small annual
Plants grow. They have animals like artic fox Weasel,wolf etc..

Characteristics of grassland ecosystem:

Grassland ecosystem is a plain land occupied by grasses.

Soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter.

Since it has tall grasses , it is ideal place for grazing animals. It is characterized by low or uneven rainfall.

Structure and function of grassland ecosystem:

Abiotic components:

These abiotic components are supplied by carbon di oxide,

Water,nitrates,phosphates and sulphates.

Example:
nutrients:C,H,O,N,P,S

Boitic components: Producers:

They produce food.

Example: grasses,shrubs and forbs.

Consumers: (a)Primary consumer(herbivores) They depend on grasses for their food. Example: cows,deer,sheep..etc. (b)Secondary consumer(carnivores)

They feed on herbivores. Example: snakes,lizards,birds.etc.

Tertiary consumer: They feed on secondary consumers. Example: eagles,hawks..etc. 3.Decomposers They decompose the dead organic matter. Example: fungi and bacteria.

FUNCTIONS OF GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM.

Productivity of grassland ecosystem is high but not higher than tropical forest.
Ecological pyramid of numbers of the grassland ecosystem is upright.

Energy flow decreases only by 10 percent. Ecological succession can end up in climax community.
Decomposition-role of decomposers.

Pyramid of numbers in a grassland ecosystem-upright