Steppe

Steppe is a type of biome characterized by a lack of trees and a dominance of grasses and shrubs. The term is used to describe the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome. This biome exists on every continent except Antarctica.

Characteristics

Steppes are characterized by a semi-arid and continental climate. The annual temperature range tends to be large due to the lack of oceanic influences. Precipitation is low and highly seasonal, falling mostly in the late spring and early summer.

The dominant life forms in the steppe are perennial grasses and shrubs. Trees are generally absent except for those that line rivers and lakes. The vegetation is typically adapted to drought and extreme temperatures.

Types of Steppes

There are two main types of steppes: the Eurasian Steppe, which extends from Moldova through Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and Mongolia to Manchuria, and the Great Plains in the United States and Canada.

Eurasian Steppe

The Eurasian Steppe is a vast expanse of grassland that stretches from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the Saiga Antelope, Mongolian Gazelle, and the Eurasian Lynx.

Great Plains

The Great Plains is a broad expanse of flat land, much of it covered in prairie, steppe, and grassland, located in America and Canada. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the American Bison, Pronghorn, and the Coyote.

Human Impact

Human activities, particularly agriculture, have had a significant impact on the steppe biome. Many areas have been converted to cropland, and overgrazing has led to soil erosion and desertification.

See Also

• Prairie
• Savanna
• Desert
• Tundra

References

Steppe Resources
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