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Grassland
 Grassland Habitats (Grassland)
Grasslands, also known as prairies, pampas, and steppes, receive enough rain to support grasses, but not enough for forests. Nearly constant winds keep the habitat even drier. Frequent fires and heavy grazing also suppresses the growth of woody plants. Grassland soil is rich and fertile.
Wide Open Spaces
On a rocky outcrop in a vast sea of grass, pronghorn antelopes graze on grasses and other plants. The fastest land animal in the North America, pronghorns are found in grasslands and deserts of the west. In the distance off to the left, a plume of dust follows a car along a road across the habitat. Cattle graze beyond the road.
Too Fertile For Its Own Good
 Relatively few untouched grasslands exist in the United States today. The very rich soil has led to destruction of grasslands for agriculture and for grazing of domestic animals. Overgrazing, mismanagement, and occasional prolonged droughts have led to severe wind erosion and loss of topsoil, which can convert fertile grassland into semidesert.
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Relatively few untouched grasslands exist in the United States today. The very rich soil has led to destruction of grasslands for agriculture and for grazing of domestic animals. Overgrazing, mismanagement, and occasional prolonged droughts have led to severe wind erosion and loss of topsoil, which can convert fertile grassland into semidesert.
