Question 18GS1GS1

Identifying the characteristics of the grassland biome, mention the threats posed to Banni grasslands in India. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

Grasslands are unique biome that are found in diverse climatic condition and are identified by their moisture and temperature data.

20 words

Main Body

Characteristics of such biome:

1Moisture and Rainfall is on the lower end thus don't support huge vegetation

2Temperature - varying conditions

(a) Temperate - prairies

(b) Tropical - Banri

Major grassland biomes of the world [map showing Steppe Russia, Prairies North America, Bamboo/Vlei India, Pampas Argentina, Veld/Australia, Africa]

3As the soil is not that fertile, the vegetation is limited to grasses and not trees

4Agriculture is not fruitful due to poor soils thus major economic activities are industries and also factory farming like seen in New Zealand net has huge dairy industry

5Transhumance seen in such grasslands as animals herd and tribal are important (7) Gujars come during winter from Bangladesh

6These grasslands are often regions of the great game among armies - as seen in Africa

9Grasslands are also seen to provide pulp for paper industries

Threats to Banni grasslands:

1The rising desertification leads to poor year yields

2The dwindling Grass also lead to poor biodiversity as seen in Gir in Gujarat where living are seen

3Gujarat is focusing on industrialization thus lead to poor wasteland/pollution

4Reduced availability of water due to reduce monsoon

5The high dependency on dairy sector due to competitive (Amul) leads to over-grazing

Solution - Sustainable practice use local communities (we matters tribe) shelter belts against desertification

Regular monitoring through satellite watches role Bhutan as be benefited for such grasslands

237 words16 paragraphs

Diagram

Map showing distribution of grasslands across world - Steppe Russia, Prairies North America, Banni/Vlei India, Pampas Argentina, Veld Australia, Africa

Good diagram showing global distribution
Discusses multiple grassland types
Mentions economic activities
Links grasslands to economic activities
Provides geographic examples
Identifies specific threats with local examples
Provides solutions
Mentions Bhutan model

Open original scan

Page 47

Topper

Sanskriti Trivedy

AIR 172028

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Grassland Biome

Characteristics and Threats to Banni Grasslands

Grassland ecosystems - environmental and economic aspects

Writing Stats

257

Total words

Paragraphs

descriptive

Tone