Page 23 - K-2185 S.St (Final) 28-04-18 1C P70 LITE

(d) The soil of temperate grasslands is very fertile. The roots of the grasses
go deep into the soil. When die and rot, these provide a rich source
of nutrients. This soil is home to many small living creatures such
as worms and insects which add to the richness of the soil. These
regions have largely been converted into agricultural land due to
fertility of the soil.

(e) A variety of animals is present in the grasslands. The grasslands are
home to many rodents. Larger grazing animals like deer and antelope
also live in the grasslands. The bison lives in the semi-arid Great
Plains of North America. The mustang, coyote, rattlesnake, hawk,
lark and bald eagle are other animals found in the prairies. Lion,
leopard, cheetah, giraffe, elephant and hippopotamus are found in
the veld areas.

The jaguar and peccary are commonly found in the pampas. Ostrich is
found in the scrublands of southern Africa. Kangaroo, koala, wallaby
and echidna are found in the downs in Australia.

On the basis of the above points, we can say that the temperate
grasslands are home to a rich wildlife.

(f) Cattle and cowboys played an important role in the prairies. Cowboys
were considered the working class of the cattle industry. Most of
them were African-American. English, Irish, German and French
immigrants also settled in the prairies. They shared harsh conditions
of working on the grasslands.

Gauchos is a term generally used to describe residents of the South
American pampas, Patagonian grasslands. They are chiefly found in
parts of Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Chile. These are known
as the wanderers of the pampas region. Their main activities are
herding cows, riding horses around large ranches and hunting.

In some grasslands, there are nomadic tribes who carry on with their
traditional lifestyles. Tribal culture prevails in the temperate regions
of Africa and Asia. The Kirghiz of the Central Asian steppes wander
with their herds of sheep, goats, cattle and horses. The Hottentots
of the South African veld also lead a nomadic lifestyle rearing cattle,
sheep and goats.

(g) The soil of the grasslands is excellent for agriculture. Temperate
belts have favourable climate and uninterrupted plains that support
extensive farming. The prairies in North America are so fertile that
this area is known as ‘the wheat basket of the world’. Large area of
prairies is converted into fields. Wheat, maize, barley, rye and oats
are largely grown crops in prairies.

(h) The soil of the temperate grassland is excellent for agriculture.
Temperate belts have favourable climate and uninterrupted plains
that support extensive farming. In extensive farming, most of the

Social Science (23) Class–5