Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Grassland Biome — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet|

Grades

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This comprehensive science passage introduces students in grades 6-8 to the fascinating characteristics of the grassland biome, aligning with NGSS standards. The passage explains key scientific concepts such as climate, biodiversity, adaptations, and food webs, while defining important vocabulary terms for easy understanding. Real-world examples, including African savannas and North American prairies, help students connect science to the world around them. The resource includes a Spanish translation, glossary, multiple-choice quiz, and writing activities that foster scientific thinking, analysis, and connections to everyday life. Audio integration supports diverse learners. Teachers and students can use this resource to deepen understanding of biomes and ecosystems, preparing students for further studies in environmental and life sciences.

CONTENT PREVIEW

cow, grassland, grazing, nomad, dornod plain, asahi, mongolia, landscape, cow, cow, cow, cow, cow, mongolia, mongolia — Grassland Biome. Imge by Kanenori / Pixabay.

The grassland biome is a large area of land where the main plants are grasses instead of trees or shrubs. Grasslands are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are two main types: temperate grasslands and tropical savannas. Temperate grasslands, like the North American prairies, have warm summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall. Tropical savannas, such as those in Africa, are warm all year with a wet and dry season.

Grasslands have a special climate that makes them different from forests and deserts. They receive enough rain to support grasses but not enough for many trees to grow. The soil in grasslands is often rich and deep, which makes it good for farming. Because there are few trees, most of the sunlight reaches the ground, helping grasses and wildflowers grow thick and tall.

Many different organisms live in grasslands. Some examples are large herbivores like bison, zebras, and antelope. These animals eat the grasses and move in groups called herds. There are also many predators, such as lions and cheetahs in the savannas, and wolves in the prairies. Birds, insects, and small mammals like prairie dogs also play important roles in the grassland ecosystem.

Plants and animals in grasslands have special adaptations to survive. Grasses have deep roots to find water and survive fires. Some animals, like prairie dogs, dig burrows to escape heat and predators. Large animals may migrate to find food during dry seasons. Fires are common in grasslands and help new grasses grow by clearing away old plants.

The food web in grasslands shows how energy moves between plants, herbivores, and carnivores. Grasses use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis. Herbivores eat the grasses, and carnivores eat the herbivores. When plants and animals die, decomposers break them down and return nutrients to the soil.

Grasslands are important for people, too. They are often used for growing crops like wheat and corn or for raising cattle. However, grasslands are at risk from overgrazing, farming, and climate change. Protecting grasslands helps keep these ecosystems healthy for both wildlife and humans.

Interesting Fact: Some grassland fires happen naturally, but many are started by lightning or humans. These fires are important because they help keep grasslands from turning into forests!

What is the main plant in grasslands?

GrassesTreesShrubsFerns

Which animal is NOT found in savannas?

BisonZebraLionCheetah

What helps grasses survive fires?

Deep rootsThick barkWide leavesTall stems

What happens if too many trees grow in grasslands?

Grasslands turn into forestsGrasslands get more animalsGrasslands get drierGrasslands get colder

Why do some animals migrate in grasslands?

To find foodTo escape rainTo sleepTo find trees

How do decomposers help the soil?

Return nutrientsEat live plantsMake rainGrow tall