Large areas where wild grass grows naturally are called grasslands. Some areas have scattered trees as well. Grasslands are found in areas where there is just enough rainfall to stop the land becoming a desert, but not enough rainfall for a woodland or forest to grow. Grasslands are often found in the centre of continents, far from the ocean. They are known as prairies in North America, steppes in Central Asia and pampas in South America.

Prairie dogs

On the North American prairie, hundreds of prairie dogs (kinds of squirrel) may live together in underground “towns”: a huge network of burrows. Friendly greetings are made by touching noses. A warning bark from one of the group will send the others rushing down into the safety of their burrows. Old burrows are used by other animals such as burrowing owls or rattlesnakes.

Dotted around tropical grasslands are huge towers made of compacted soil. These are termite nests. Each is home to millions of termites. Inside is a maze of passages and chambers. At the centre live the king and queen termites. The queen’s huge body is full of eggs. Other termites, called workers, look after the young and go out to find food. The workers collect dead plant material and put it into moist chambers in the nest. Soldier termites guard entrances to the nest.