Question

Which of the following grasslands is known as 'Granaries of the world'?
A) Prairies
B) Steppe
C) Savanna
D) Velds

Answer 1

Hint: Grasslands are areas where grasses dominate the vegetation (Poaceae). However, sedge (Cyperaceae) and rush (Juncaceae) can be found, as well as varying proportions of legumes, such as clover, and other herbs.

Complete answer:
Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica and are found in the majority of the world's ecoregions. Furthermore, grasslands are one of the world's largest biomes, dominating the landscape on a global scale. They cover between 31 and 43 percent of the Earth's land area. Grasslands are classified into three types: natural grasslands, semi-natural grasslands, and agricultural grasslands.

Now let us look into the given options:
Option A: Prairies: The North American Prairies were formed as a result of the uplift of the Rocky Mountains near Alberta. The mountains cast a rain shadow, resulting in lower rainfall rates downwind.
Prairies are ecosystems that ecologists consider to be part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome due to similar temperate climates, moderate rainfall, and a composition of grasses, herbs, and shrubs as the dominant vegetation type.

Prairies are grasslands, particularly in North America. Because of the vast amount of wheat produced, the Prairies are known as the world's granaries. The prairies' moderate temperature, reasonable rainfall, and fertile and humid soil made them the world's leading producer of wheat. That is why they are known as the granaries of the world.

Option B: Steppe: A steppe is an ecoregion in physical geography defined by grassland plains devoid of trees, with the exception of those near rivers and lakes.

Option C: Savanna: A savanna, also known as savannah, is a mixed woodland-grassland ecosystem distinguished by trees that are sufficiently spaced so that the canopy does not close. The open canopy allows enough light to reach the ground to support an unbroken herbaceous layer dominated by grasses.

Option D: Velds: In Southern Africa, veld (also spelt veldt) is a type of wide-open rural landscape. It is primarily a flat area covered in grass or low scrub, particularly in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Thus, the answer is option A i.e, Prairies.

Note: Jaguars, African wild dogs, pronghorn, black-footed ferret, plains bison, mountain plover, African elephant, Sunda tiger, black rhino, white rhino, savanna elephant, greater one-horned rhino, Indian elephant, and swift fox are among the most numerous large animals on the planet. Grazing animals, herd animals, and grassland predators such as lions and cheetahs live in the grasslands of the African savanna.