Open country dominated by grasses rather than trees covers large parts of the continents. Grasslands occur where rainfall is too low for forest yet higher than true desert. They include the prairies of North America, the steppes of Eurasia, and the pampas of South America.

Grasses tolerate grazing, fire, and drought through extensive root systems and growth points near the ground. Large herbivores and their predators evolved alongside these ecosystems. Deep, fertile soils made many grasslands attractive for conversion to cropland.

Remaining natural grasslands are among the most endangered biomes because of agriculture and overgrazing. Restoration efforts reintroduce native species and controlled fire. The seasonal green-up and drying of grasslands still drive migrations of animals and shape regional climates through albedo and transpiration.

• Open landscape dominated by grasses
• Occurs in semi-arid to sub-humid climates
• Supports grazing animals and fertile soils
• Largely converted to agriculture in many regions