Steppe - a combination of wonderful climate and spectacular landscape.It fascinates with its striking beauty and vast expanses.It can be a long time gazing into the distance and see only a subtle strip of hills on the horizon.Unique animals and plants steppe, they impress not only the diversity of species, but also for its ability to adapt to life in such peculiar circumstances.Steppe - a special world in which the life of the study devoted to the works of many scientists.
steppe territory
conditions for formation of steppe in a particular area is the topography and other factors that determine the climate that led to insufficient soil moisture.This mode can be maintained throughout the year, or occur only in certain seasons.As a result of this feature in the steppe vegetation appears either in early spring, when the ground water still deep in the soil or in the rainy season, which, although they do not differ large amounts of precipitation, but are able to provide the plant with moisture.Some species of flora can adapt to the continued existence of the shortage of water.Thus, the steppe zone - a territory with a certain type of vegetation, mainly grass cereal.Forest areas, if they are located in the lowlands, where due to accumulations of snow ensured increased soil moisture.Outside the lowlands, such as the rivers, the conditions for the emergence of the forest will be gone, as the soil in this area is too dry.In the subtropical climate in the desert may appear shrubs.
steppe area can be found on all continents except Antarctica is just.They are located in the area between forests and desert areas.Steppe landscape formed within the temperate and subtropical zones of both hemispheres.The soil in the desert - a predominantly black soil.In the south you can find chestnut soils and salt marshes.
Year steppe zone, where plants and animals are constantly in need of moisture, gets about 400 mm of precipitation.However, in times of drought it rains very rarely, for the year their volume may not reach and 200 mm.Depending on the geographical location of the steppes varies greatly volume moisture in every season.In the western regions rainfall distributed fairly evenly by month.In the eastern part is determined by the minimum amount of rainfall during the winter and as many as possible in the summer.
huge opportunity to adapt to the difficult conditions of life in the desert endowed by nature animals and plants of the steppes of Kazakhstan.In this arid region, the average annual rainfall is 279 mm.In this wet year can bring them up to 576 mm, and in times of drought receives only 135 mm.Typically, after a period rich in rain, it is extremely dry year.
The climate in the desert steppe
The abrupt temperature variations, depending both on the season and time of day.Plants and animals steppe largely depend on these changes.In the summer in the desert is very hot, scorching sun shines.The average July temperature in the western part of Europe is between 21 to 26 degrees.In the east, its value reaches 26 degrees.In autumn the temperature starts to drop sharply colder.In the eastern areas of the steppe snow appears in late October.Zone of the Black Sea, in its milder climate, covered with snow in late November.Therefore, all living in these areas can exist in unpredictable weather conditions, such as grassy steppe plants are resistant not only to drought, but also to the severe frosts.
Generally, the boundaries of the Spring and Autumn in steppe conditions it is very difficult to determine.This is due to the large difference between the temperature of the air day and night.By the end of September, these differences are very pronounced, the oscillation amplitude can reach 25 degrees.Fully understand that the winter has receded, it can be looked at the steppe plants.In the spring, thanks to the bright sun and the earth, soaked after the snow melts, the land they line colorful carpet.A large temperature difference is observed in different seasons.Last summer, the temperature in the desert five degrees, and in winter it can drop to -50.Thus, prairies compared to other climatic zones, such as desert, maximum observed temperature fluctuations.
typical for steppe and the sudden change in the weather conditions in one and the same time of year.A sudden thaw could begin in April or November and the middle of the hot summer comes to a sudden severe cold snap.In such circumstances, the steppe plants and animals must have maximum endurance and special qualities to enable them to adapt to climate variability.
rivers in the steppe
large deep rivers in the steppe - a rarity.A small rivulet difficult to deal with such an unpredictable climate, they quickly dry up.The only possibility for their revival - the years of rich heavy rainfall.Summer rains can affect the amount of water in the rivers drying up, if only we are not talking about showers.But the long autumn rains continuing for weeks, can increase the conductivity of small rivers.All this complicates the lives of animals in the desert, which in different ways to adapt to water scarcity.For plants steppe characteristic long branched roots that penetrate the soil to a greater depth, where even in severe drought may remain wet.
only period when even virtually dried up rivers transformed into powerful rushing streams, this spring floods.Jets of water rushing over the steppes, eroding soil.It contributes to this the absence of forests, rapid melting under the hot sun of the steppe snow plowing.
Water Network steppe varies depending on its geographical location.Steppe zones in Europe imbued with a network of rivers of small and medium sizes.On the territory of Western Siberia and the steppes of Kazakhstan has a chain of small lakes.On the site of the Siberian-Kazakhstan steppe is one of the largest clusters of galaxies.They account for almost 25 thousand.Among the lakes there are reservoirs with almost any degree of mineralization: fresh, stagnant salty, bitter and salty water.
Variety steppe landscapes
In every corner of the earth steppe zone has its own characteristics.Different animals and plants on different continents steppe.The Eurasian territory with a characteristic landscape called steppes.Land with steppe vegetation in North America are the status of prairie.In South America, they are called pampas, New Zealand steppe called tussokami.Each of these zones is different kind of climate in determining the specific plant and animal species present in the area.
Pampa is most common in Argentina.It is a region of subtropical steppe with a continental climate.Summer in these hot areas, the average temperature in the range of 20 to 24 degrees.It gradually becomes mild winter with average positive temperatures from 6 to 10 degrees.The eastern part of the Pampa in Argentina is rich in moisture, a year here falls from 800 to 950 mm of rain.Western section of the Argentine Pampas receives precipitation in 2 times smaller.Pampa in Argentina - an area of fertile chernozem soils, reddish or gray-brown.Due to this, it serves as a basis for the development of agriculture and animal husbandry in the country.
Prairie North America are similar in climate to the steppes of Eurasia.The annual rainfall in the area between deciduous forest and prairie itself is about 800 mm.To the north, it is reduced to 500 mm, and in the south up to 1000. In dry years, rainfall is reduced by a quarter.Winter temperatures in the prairie differ markedly depending on the breadth of that which is the steppe zone.In the southern parts of the winter temperatures usually do not drop below 0 degrees, and in northern latitudes may reach its minimum - 50 degrees.
in the steppe of New Zealand, called tussokami, precipitation during the year falls very little, sometimes up to 330 mm.These sites - one of the driest on its climate they resemble the semi-desert.
Mammals and birds
steppe In the steppe, despite the harsh and unpredictable conditions, a variety of live animals.Eurasian steppe zones are home to about 90 species of mammals.One third of this number is found only in the desert, the remaining animals have moved to these areas with adjacent areas of deciduous and desert lands.All animals are wonderfully adapted to life in the unique climate and the bizarre landscape.The steppe is characterized by large number of rodents living in it.These include ground squirrels, hamsters, voles, mice, gerbils, and many others.Many in the desert and small predators: foxes, ferrets, weasels, martens.Well adapted to the conditions of steppe climate omnivores steppe - urchins.
Besides animals found only in the desert, there are some individuals birds also unique to the area.However, they are not so much, and plowing leads to their gradual disappearance.In the steppe bustards lives, in our country it can be seen in the Trans-Baikal and the Saratov region, and little bustard, which is found in the southern Urals, in the Middle and Lower Volga.Before the plowing lands in the steppe zone could meet demoiselle and partridge.Currently, these birds catch the eye man is extremely rare.
Among the birds in the desert there are many predators.These are large birds: steppe eagle, buzzard, golden eagle, buzzard.As well as representatives of small birds: falcon, falcons, kestrels.
Pleased with their singing in the desert larks, lapwings, stone curlew.Many species of birds that live in flood plains, on the borders with deciduous forest or near lakes and rivers, moved into the steppe zone of the forest.
permanent residents steppes - reptiles
Steppe landscape can not be imagined without the participation of his life reptiles.Their species there are not very many, but these reptiles are an integral part of the steppe.
One of the brightest representatives of the steppe reptiles - yellow-bellied snake.It is almost two-meter, quite thick and large snake.It is characterized by incredible aggressiveness.Unlike most snakes at a meeting with a man she does not try to crawl away quickly and rolled and hissing loudly, throws the enemy.Serious harm to cause snake man can not, its bite is not dangerous.This fight will end sadly, probably, for the most runner.These reptiles as a result of his aggressiveness began to fade from the steppe areas.
yellow-bellied runner can be seen on the rocky slopes, well warmed in the sun.In such places reptile feels most comfortable, and prefers to hunt here.
Another snake, typical steppe - a viper.Her refuge are abandoned burrows of small rodents.Snake hunts, mostly late in the evening and at night during the hot daytime hours adder basking in the sun, stretched out on the stony slopes.This reptile is not seeking to enter into a fight with a man, and at the sight of him trying to escape.If you inadvertently step on a viper, she immediately pounce on careless traveler, leaving his body poisonous bite.
the steppe inhabited by many lizards many different colors.These nimble reptiles whirlwind rush past, shimmering in the sun amazing colors.
safe shelter - a way to survive in the wilderness
Features steppe animals focused on their survival in a rather complex environment.They were able to adapt to the open plains, temperature extremes, lack of a large variety of fodder, water shortages.
need for safe shelter - this is what united all the animals.Zone steppes perfectly visible, and small animals could not escape from predators without a good shelter.As most of the animals shelters steppes use burrows in which and spend most of the time.Nora not only protect the fauna of the danger, but also help to escape from the adverse weather conditions, serve as a haven for animals at the time of hibernation.It is there mammals grow their offspring, protecting it from any external dangers.Digging burrows lends itself well to most rodents: mice, hamsters, voles.They can easily bore holes even in the dry solid ground.
Besides rodents, a safe haven in a flat terrain and large animals in need.Foxes and badgers also dig burrows, and those representatives of fauna that can not dig yourself a hole, trying to take over someone else's.Often becomes the abode of foxes, for example, prey of wolves, and in large burrows of ground squirrels inhabit small predators - stoats and ferrets, and snakes.The holes are hiding from the dangers of even some birds such as the hoopoe and the owl.Bird's Nest has to build directly on the ground, because the nooks in the rock or a hollow tree in the desert just did not find.
reside in its hole will not work, because you need to get food.Each animal steppe in adjusting to his unceasing threat from predators.
Some representatives of fauna are able to run fast.These include the saiga antelope, hare, jerboa.It is also a way to protect the painting.Pets are sandy steppe gray fur or feathers, which allows them to not stand out from the surroundings.
For the inhabitants of the steppe zone is characterized by the herd instinct.Hoofed mammals graze under the watchful eye of their leader, who in case of danger immediately give a signal, and the flock will be broken off.Extremely careful, for example, ground squirrels.They now and then looked around, checking what is happening around.Heard anything suspicious, gopher immediately notify the relatives and they immediately hide in burrows.The speed and instant reaction allows many animals to be invincible even in the open.
Confrontation weather
animals to adapt to temperature changes during the day.These oscillations is determined by the activity of mammals at different times.The most favorable for the birds early morning, mammals emerge from their burrows in the morning and evening.Most of the animals seeking shelter from the scorching rays of the sun day in burrows.Exceptions are except reptiles who like to lie on the hot stones.
With winter approaching life in the desert fades.Most of the animals becomes dormant for the entire cold period, while in their burrows.Thus waiting for spring squirrels, hedgehogs, jerboas, reptiles and insects.Birds and bats go to hibernate in warmer climes.Those rodents who will spend the winter, watching, stocking fodder.Hamsters manage to bring into its hole to several kilograms of grain.Mole rats fed all winter accumulated over the summer by the plant roots and acorns.Immunodeficient mouse, for example, generally does not go on the ground in the winter.Prior to the onset of cold weather, she hides in the depths of the soil kilograms of grain and feed on them all winter, arranging on-site "store" their nest.
eternal search for water
Animals steppes forced to adapt to the constant shortage of water.Each individual copes with this problem in different ways.Hoofed mammals and birds are able to find the source of drinking to travel long distances.Gerbil, jerboa, squirrels and some other rodents feed on lush grass, filling their need for water.Predators are living in the desert, and without water, because it gave the desired number of animals eaten.A surprising feature is at immunodeficient and house mice.They eat only withered plant seeds and the water produced by processing in a unique body ingested starch.
accommodate animals and scarcity of food.Among the inhabitants of the steppes are many who can eat both animal and plant foods.Omnivore steppe - it is the foxes, hedgehogs, several species of reptiles and birds that eat the berries with the insects.
Plants steppe
Features steppe plants - is the ability to exist in a lack of moisture, that for most species of flora is disastrous.There are several types of vegetation in the desert:
1. forbs.
2. fescue-feather grass.
3. sagebrush cereal.
forb territory can be observed in the northern areas.
