temperate grassland A type of vegetation which includes in the northern hemisphere the N. American prairies and the Eurasian steppe, and in the southern hemisphere the veld of S. Africa, the pampas of Argentina, the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand, as well as extensive areas in Australia. Much of this grassland has been ploughed up or converted into pasture for domesticated animals. Although most of this grassland occurs in parts of the temperate zone where there is a seasonal deficit of moisture, there is often enough to permit tree growth. Presumably fires, both natural and anthropogenic, have been important in the development of this grassland.

temperate grassland A type of vegetation which includes in the northern hemisphere the North American prairies and the Eurasian steppe, and in the southern hemisphere the veld of South Africa, the pampas of Argentina, and the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand. Much of this grassland has been ploughed up or converted into pasture for domesticated animals. Although most of this grassland occurs in parts of the temperate zone where there is a seasonal deficit of moisture, there is often enough to permit tree growth. Presumably fires, both natural and anthropogenic, have been important in the development of this grassland.