Tropical+Grassland+Ecosystem+Value

=**Tropical Grassland Natural Resources and Value to Humans**=

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**Natural Resources**
Tropical grasslands are reserves for many natural resources, an example of which being carbon. (H1) Carbon is found in the rich and fertile soil of savannas, the decaying plant matter, and the underground roots and stems. (H2)

(H3)

Fertile soil is another essential commodity of tropical grasslands. Savannas have a lengthy rainy season that lasts about six to eight months of the year. The high annual rainfall creates an environment that is perfect for growing many types of grass, but the amount is too low to support a developed forest, and too high to support that of a desert. Trees do not tend to grow in tropical grasslands due to the constant grazing of animals, the amount of water in the area, and periodic fires. Any trees that are able to grow have roots that can reach deep down into the soil, the ability to store water, and thick bark to protect from fires. One example of a tree species that tends to grow in savannas is the acacia tree.

This provides a habitat for lush vegetation to grow and thrive, therefore feeding numerous species. Some examples of such species on the African savanna are rhinos, gazelles, giraffes, and elephants.

As for what cannot be seen on the surface, grasslands can have large mineral deposits underneath the ground. Deposits of mineral ores such as iron, mercury, nickel, cole, and limestone have been found.(H4)

**Value to Humans**
In sections of Asia and Africa, Australia, South America, and India, over 50 million people survive by grazing their livestock on tropical grasslands. The grasslands are known by different names in all of these countries- pampas, llanos, and cerrados in South America, steppes in Asia, savannas and velds in Africa, and rangelands in Australia. These grasslands are critical to the function of society and economy in some of these countries.

Because areas of grassland have such fertile soil, areas of grassland, primarily in North America (prairies) are being converted into cropland to grow the world’s “cereal grains” (corn, rice, wheat, barley, and sorghum). These grains are annual crops, which require a strong, fertile soil to reproduce yearly. These grasslands are sometimes referred to as the “ World’s Breadbaskets.” 

The herds that feed on these grasslands in North America are eventually slaughtered for consumption. Cows, pigs, and chickens are fattened up by corn and then killed in mass groups for large meat companies like Perdue and Tyson. These animals are very unhealthy and are becoming increasingly Back || Next