The soil of desert regions are dry and mostly made out of sand. And this type of soil is not fertile at all. But,the soil of the grassland is fertile and contains enough amount of moisture and other necessary soil nutrients. Grasslands are well populated because grasslands are the best place for animal husbandry.

Not only do grasslands have a local importance for the maintenance of biodiversity and food production, but they also affect ecological processes at landscape (e.g., pollination), regional (e.g., water regulation, recreation), and global scales (e.g., climate regulation).

Grasslands receive about 500 to 950 mm of rain per year compared to deserts, which receive less than 300 mm and tropical forests, which receive more than 2,000 mm. Tropical grasslands have dry and wet seasons that remain warm all the time.

Grasslands are threatened by habitat loss, which can be caused by human actions, such as unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, and crop clearing.

Elephants, bison, cheetahs, gazelles, lions, and tigers are some of the large animals living on grasslands. Rabbits, gophers, prairie dogs, and many bird, lizard, and snake species are some of the small animals that live there as well.

One of the largest grasslands in the world is the Eurasian Steppe. It stretches from Hungary to China—almost one-fifth of the way around the world—and has animals like saiga antelope and vultures.

In addition, grasslands provide important services and roles including as water catchments, biodiversity reserves, for cultural and recreational needs, and potentially a carbon sink to alleviate greenhouse gas emissions. Inevitably, such functions may conflict with management for production of livestock products.

Regulating services include pollination, decomposition, water purification, erosion and flood control, and carbon storage and climate regulation. Cultural Services: As we interact and alter nature, the natural world has in turn altered us.

Functions of the Grassland Ecosystem It provides forage for livestock, protection and conservation of soil and water resources, furnishing a habitat for wildlife, both flora and fauna and (contribution to the attractiveness of the landscape.

The following are the key characteristics of the grassland biome:

• Vegetation structure that is dominated by grasses.
• Semi-arid climate.
• Rainfall and soils insufficient to support significant tree growth.
• Most common at mid-latitudes and near the interiors of continents.
• Grasslands are often exploited for agricultural use.

Why do ecosystems matter for human health? Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. From the availability of adequate food and water, to disease regulation of vectors, pests, and pathogens, human health and well-being depends on these services and conditions from the natural environment.

Healthy ecosystems clean our water, purify our air, maintain our soil, regulate the climate, recycle nutrients and provide us with food. They provide raw materials and resources for medicines and other purposes. They are at the foundation of all civilisation and sustain our economies.

Humans influence energy flow and are modifying the energy balance of Earth’s ecosystems at an increasing rate. Changes in the availability of energy affect ecosystems. When humans modify the energy balance, we impact the ability of the ecosystems to react and adapt to variability in the environment.

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water.

Importance of Ecosystem: It provides habitat to wild plants and animals. It promotes various food chains and food webs. It controls essential ecological processes and promotes lives. Involved in the recycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.

Humans are fully dependent on Earth’s ecosystems and the services that they provide, such as food, clean water, disease regulation, climate regulation, spiritual fulfillment, and aesthetic enjoyment. The relationship between human well-being and ecosystem services is not linear.

Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away.
2. Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community.
3. Educate.
4. Conserve water.
5. Choose sustainable.
6. Shop wisely.
7. Use long-lasting light bulbs.
8. Plant a tree.