How do tropical grasslands differ from temperate grasslands?

Tropical and temperate grasslands differ primarily in their climatic conditions and seasonal temperature variations.

Climatic Differences

• Temperature: Tropical grasslands experience consistently warm temperatures, typically ranging from 15 to 35 °C (59 to 95 °F) throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variation. In contrast, temperate grasslands are colder for at least part of the year, with seasonal temperatures that can fluctuate by as much as 40 °C (72 °F).1
• Precipitation: Tropical grasslands generally receive between 500 and 1,500 millimetres (20 to 60 inches) of rain annually, often characterized by a distinct wet season and a dry season that can last up to eight months. Temperate grasslands are generally drier, with mean annual rainfall in North American regions ranging from 300 to 600 millimetres.1

Geographic Distribution

• Tropical Grasslands: These are typically located between tropical forest and desert belts, with major regions including the Sahel in Africa, parts of East Africa, and northern Australia.12
• Temperate Grasslands: These generally lie between temperate forests and deserts. Primary examples include the prairies of North America, the Pampas of South America, and the Eurasian steppe.32