Temperate+Grasslands+Animal+Adaptations

Animals in prairie ecosystems are low in diversity yet high in abundance C1]. In order to survive, these animals must develop a series of adaptations to survive in the prairie climate that include hot summers, cold winters, and a mere 10 to 35 inches of precipitation a year C1].

Many animals such as prairie dogs and rodents have developed burrowing behaviors as protection to climate and predators. These complex tunnel networks often have multiple exits and entrances that regulate ventilation. These complex burrows have provided animals with relief from extreme weather and temperature conditions. In addition, these burrows provide prey animals necessary protection from predators in the flat and grassy land C2].

C3]

Temperate grasslands consist of a limited food options for herbivores; for smaller mammals such as rodents and chipmunks, there are weeds, seeds, flowers, and shrubs. These small animals in turn have developed pouch-like cheeks to transport more food than they need at a time. This allows for small mammals to stockpile food in their burrows for winter months and shortages C4].

C5]

Larger mammals survive by eating large amounts of grass which in turn affects their digestive system. Animals such as wildebeest, zebra, bison, and elk C6] eat grass and leaves that are hearty and difficult to digest. Thus, these animal's digestive system has grown to rely on more than one stomach to function. C4]

C4]

Previous Temperate Grassland Home Next