Temperate+Grasslands+Plant+Adaptations

=Temperate Grassland Plant Adaptations=

The type of plants found in the temperate grasslands are not very diverse because of a few factors only certain types of plants have adapted to. Among these are: various types of grass, small succulents, and sparse small trees, ground shrubs, and a few types of flowers. D1]

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Fires
Temperate grasslands have a rather low rate of rainfall, therefore, they tend to be dry. Because of this, fires are a common occurrence. In order to survive these frequent fires, the grasses of the grasslands developed very deep growing roots. That way, when the fires burn away the top part of the plant, the roots are still alive and able to regrow. Since trees and other plants cannot grow back as quickly, they tend to get destroyed by fires too often to live in the grassland. D3]

Roots
The layer of soil present in temperate grasslands are typically very deep and fertile. Due to this. water is usually retained in the lowest layers of the soil during droughts and dry seasons. Plants such as grasses and shrubs have developed complex root systems that extend deep into the soil in order to obtain water and nutrients. Plants also make the soil of the grassland very rich in nutrients due to the decay of dead roots.D4] D6]

Leaves and Grass
Grasses and other plants in the temperate grasslands have particularly thin leaves that are optimal for water absorption and retention in the dry prairies. Leaves and grass blades are also particularly high in silica content, which makes it harder for grazers such as bison and pronghorns to eat and digest. In addition to tougher leaves, some plants have also developed toxins present in their leaves in order to further protect themselves against grazers. D5] > The winters in grasslands tend to bring layers of snow and in order to survive that, the grasses have adapted to go dormant during this time, which conserves energy by not growing. This also helps their roots to survive even if they get eaten in the cold season. D3]
 * ====Winter====

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