User:Ofrimpong1/Grassland

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Lead: Background

A grassland is an area where the vegetation is dominated by grasses (Poaceae). However, sedge (Cyperaceae) and rush (Juncaceae) can also be found along with variable proportions of legumes, like clover, and other herbs. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica and are found in most ecoregions of the Earth. Antarctica is a continent that is mostly covered by ice and snow, with very little vegetation. Grasslands are typically found in regions with a moderate climate and sufficient rainfall, where grasses and other herbaceous plants can grow in abundance. Antarctica's extreme climate and low precipitation make it unsuitable for the growth of grasses or the formation of grasslands^[2].

Furthermore, grasslands are one of the largest biomes on earth and dominate the landscape worldwide.^[1] There are different types of grasslands: natural grasslands, semi-natural grasslands, and agricultural grasslands.^[1] They cover 31–69% of the Earth's land area.^[2]^[3]

Ecosystem services

Other ecosystem services

Promotion of genetic diversity
Weather amelioration^[4]
Provision of wildlife habitat: The provision of wildlife habitat is an important ecosystem service that supports the survival of many plant and animal species. Habitat provides the basic needs of food, water, shelter, and space required by wildlife to thrive. Conserving and restoring habitats can also help mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect biodiversity [1]. For example, wetlands are important habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife and serve as natural water filtration systems. Forests provide habitat for many species of birds, mammals, and insects, and help regulate the earth's climate by absorbing and storing carbon. Protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife refuges, are essential for conserving habitat and protecting endangered species ^[3]

References

2. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Ecosystems and human well-being: Biodiversity synthesis. World Resources Institute.

3. Daily, G. C., & Matson, P. A. (2008). Ecosystem services: From theory to implementation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(28), 9455-9456

^ ^a ^b Gibson, David J. Grasses and grassland ecology. New York. ISBN 978-0-19-154609-9. OCLC 308648056.
^ Conant, Richard T. (2010). Challenges and opportunities for carbon sequestration in grassland systems : a technical report on grassland management and climate change mitigation. FAO. ISBN 978-92-5-106494-8. OCLC 890677450.
^ Chapin III, F. Stuart; Sala, Osvaldo E.; Huber-Sannwald, Elisabeth (2013). Global Biodiversity in a Changing Environment: Scenarios for the 21st Century. Springer. ISBN 978-1-4613-0157-8. OCLC 1059413892.
^ Sala, Osvaldo E. Ecosystem services in grasslands. pp. 237–252. OCLC 1231779567.

[:02-1] Gibson, David J. Grasses and grassland ecology. New York. ISBN 978-0-19-154609-9. OCLC 308648056.

[:62-2] Conant, Richard T. (2010). Challenges and opportunities for carbon sequestration in grassland systems : a technical report on grassland management and climate change mitigation. FAO. ISBN 978-92-5-106494-8. OCLC 890677450.

[:0-3] Chapin III, F. Stuart; Sala, Osvaldo E.; Huber-Sannwald, Elisabeth (2013). Global Biodiversity in a Changing Environment: Scenarios for the 21st Century. Springer. ISBN 978-1-4613-0157-8. OCLC 1059413892.

[4] Sala, Osvaldo E. Ecosystem services in grasslands. pp. 237–252. OCLC 1231779567.

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