Cattle serve an important purpose in the grasslands because they can quickly trim large areas of tall grasses. These tall grasses can harbor pests and easily catch fire, but shorter grass is less likely to.

Cows have evolved a variety of adaptations that help them survive, including the ability to sweat, regulate body temperature and digest foliage that would be undigestible for many mammals. The modern cow’s digestive system is sometimes said to be its most unique and important adaptation.

A few of these adaptations are:

• Some animals, such as bison, have broad, flat-topped teeth and digestive systems especially adapted to feed on grasses.
• Many prairie animals have front legs and paws that allow them to burrow into the ground, where they are protected from predators.

Plants have many adaptations to survive the Grasslands Biome. The plants have deep, spreading root systems that allow them strength and moisture during times of drought. Most of the plants have long narrow leaves that don’t need as much water. The grasses grow from the bottom and grow close to the ground.

Examples of Plant Adaptations in Different Environments

• Root Structure. Plants that grow in the desert have adapted the structure of their roots to be able to thrive with very little rainfall.
• Leaf Waxing.
• Night Blooming.
• Reproducing Without Seeds.
• Drought Resistance.
• Leaf Size.
• Poisonous Parts.
• Brightly Colored Flowers.

You might already be familiar with some of these specialized plants. For example, the seaweed is a plant adapted for its underwater environment. Cacti are adapted for the desert environment. And you might be familiar with the Venus fly trap plant that is adapted for living in soil that doesn’t provide enough nutrients.

Flowers are an adaptation that helps many plants make seeds to grow new plants. Some flowering plants use bright petals and sugar water called nectar to get insects to visit. Visiting insects help move pollen among flowers so seeds will form. Leave them there to make seeds to grow more flowers.)

Roots adapt to provide stability for the plant and to facilitate the exchange of nutrients. For example, in places where soil is loosely packed, plants, like mangroves, will adapt to have aerial roots, which can also absorb important nutrients from the air.

Perhaps the most well-known structural adaptation, which is a change in an organism’s physical properties, of the rose is the presence of sickle-shaped hooks commonly called “thorns.” These are actually prickles, which are sharp, woody outgrowths of the stem’s outer layer of tissue, and not true thorns.

Some species such as Rosa rugosa and Rosa pimpinellifolia have densely packed straight prickles which is an adaptation to trap wind blown sand and reduce erosion and protect their roots, while other species of roses such as Rosa glauca turn their petal colours red or pink to attract bees to help them reproduce through …

Adaptation can protect animals from predators or from harsh weather. Many birds can hide in the tall grass and weeds and insects can change their colour to blend into the surroundings. This makes it difficult for predators to seek them out for food.

Structural adaptations of plants are the physical features, which allow them to compete. An example of this is the formation of spines, which are found on many species , such as cacti and roses, and can stop a plant being eaten by grazing animals.

Behavioral Adaptation: Actions animals take to survive in their environments. Examples are hibernation, migration, and instincts. Example: Birds fly south in the winter because they can find more food.