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Similarities and Differences Between the Temperate Forest and Temperate Grassland Biomes By: Dr. Donna Artrip Taylor Introduction The temperate forest and temperate grassland are two distinct world biomes. They have similarities and differences with respect to their locations, climates, and plants and animals. This essay will compare and contrast the main features of these biomes. Similarities Both the temperate forest and grasslands can be found in the North America as well as other continents. They both have different seasons, including summer and winter. Also, the plants and animals that reside in these areas need to adapt to changes in the climate. For example, in the temperate forest, trees lose their leaves during the winter and many animals “hibernate” or “migrate” when the weather gets frigid. Likewise, in temperate grasslands, soft stems allow prairie grasses to bend in the wind so they can survive. Also, most of the animals that live in these regions adapted to their environment and are herbivores or “plant-­‐
eating grazers.” Differences One of the main differences between these two biomes is that trees and large shrubs are rarely found in grassland areas. Furthermore, unlike the temperate forest, grassland animals lack shelter in the open prairies. Finally, there is much more animal diversity in temperate forests than there is in grasslands. Summary In conclusion, both the temperate forest and grasslands are biomes that can be found around the world. They both have warm and cold seasons that plants and animals must adapt to. However, there are fewer animal species that live in grasslands due to a smaller variety of plant species. Citation: http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/rainforest.html