In the vast land that stretches in different parts of the world, have you ever found a place with very low air humidity?
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the deserts of the Middle East. However, did you know that similar ecosystems can also be found in Asia, even in Indonesia?
Yup, in addition to deserts, there are other ecosystems that also have low air humidity, namely steppes. Unlike the savannas, which are still covered with several types of trees, the steppes are dominated by grasses and shrubby plants without the conspicuous presence of trees. It is these conditions that make the steppes known as vast and dry grasslands.
Citing National Geographic, the steppes only receive about 250-500 millimeters of rainfall per year. This low and uneven amount of precipitation makes the vegetation in the steppes limited.
To understand more about this unique ecosystem, check out the following explanation of the definition, characteristics and types of Steppes!
According to Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI), a steppe is a vast and dry flat land, which is only overgrown with shrubs. Steppes can also be defined as vast grasslands.
Meanwhile, according to Britannica, the term “steppe” comes from the Russian language, which means “flat grassy plain”. This ecosystem is widely found in temperate regions, such as the United States, Siberia, Tibet, China, and several regions in Indonesia. Generally, steppes are located far from the sea and are in the vicinity of mountains. This geographical condition causes the air humidity to tend to be low or dry.
In general, the average temperature of the steppes in East Asia ranges from 25°C in summer and can drop to -15°C in winter. Meanwhile, the steppes in the European region have more stable temperatures, with an average of no more than 20°C in summer and about 0°C in winter.
Steppes are also known as transitional biomes between wet climates and dry climates. Its low air humidity makes this ecosystem not dry enough to be a desert, but also not fertile enough to be covered with trees in large quantities.
Low and uneven rainfall in the steppes greatly affects the type of flora that can grow in these ecosystems. Generally, steppe vegetation is dominated by various types of grasses, shrubs and shrubs no more than 50 centimeters high.
Some specific examples of plants that are able to survive in this windy and semi-arid environment include feather grass (Nasella tenuissima) and needle grass (Andropogon aciculatus).
In addition, some other plants commonly found in the steppes include:
The climate and humidity of the air in the steppes play a role in determining the characteristics of the flora living in them. Most of the plants in these meadows have a solid body structure and are able to adapt to extreme climatic changes from season to season.
During the dry season, some plants may produce fewer flowers as a survival strategy. Meanwhile, there are also types of plants that are precisely able to adapt to low humidity conditions and thrive when there is less rainfall.
The presence of faunal species in the steppe biome is strongly influenced by the type of flora or vegetation that grows in the steppe. In other words, the flora and fauna that inhabit the steppes coexist in an ecosystem that supports each other.
Short grass vegetation in the steppes becomes an ideal habitat for various large mammals, such as:
In addition to these mammals, reported by Animalia, some other fauna commonly found in the steppes include:
Among the list of fauna above, there are several ferocious predators that inhabit the steppes, such as leopards, wolves and foxes. Their presence is inseparable from the presence of herbivorous mammals that are the main prey.
These relationships form a natural food chain, which ensures that the balance of the ecosystem is maintained.
Although they are both grassland ecosystems, steppes have a fundamental difference from savannas. The main difference between them lies in the type of vegetation. The steppes are inhabited only by short plants and shrubby plants, while the savannas have a few tall trees scattered over long distances.
Here are some of the characteristics of the steppe biome that distinguish it from other ecosystems:
Steppes can be found in different parts of the world, such as the United States, Siberia, Tibet and China.
One of the largest and most famous steppes in the world is the Eurasian Steppe, which stretches from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, covering the territory of Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Xinjiang (China), Mongolia and Manchuria.
Based on climatic conditions, steppes can be divided into three main types, each of which has different characteristics depending on the level of precipitation, temperature and geographical location:
The tropical steppe is an intermediate region between a wet tropical climate and a dry tropical climate. The main characteristic of tropical steppes is the higher annual rainfall compared to steppes located in temperate or subtropical regions.
However, despite being wetter, these steppes still have less fertile soil characteristics and a predominance of vegetation in the form of grasses and shrubs.
Temperate climate steppes receive up to 500 millimeters of precipitation per year. One of the main characteristics of these steppes is the extreme change in temperature between summer and winter. In summer, temperatures can rise significantly, while in winter, temperatures can drop dramatically to near freezing.
Subtropical steppes generally have higher and more evenly distributed rainfall than temperate steppes. This region tends to experience more moderate temperature changes and has slightly higher air humidity than the rest of the steppes.
As one of the large-scale ecosystems on Earth, the steppe has several supporting components that maintain the balance of its ecosystem. Here are the main components that support life in the steppes:
Autotrophic organisms are living beings that can produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis, taking advantage of sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. In Steppe ecosystems, autotrophs play the role of the main producers that become a source of food for other organisms.
Examples: grasses, shrubs and various types of plants typical of the steppes.
Heterotrophic organisms are living things that cannot make their own food and therefore must consume other organisms to survive. In Steppe ecosystems, heterotrophic organisms act as consumers, both as herbivores (plant eaters) and carnivores (predators of other animals).
Examples:
Abiotic components are non-biological environmental factors that greatly affect the life of living beings in the steppes. These factors create conditions typical of the steppes that are dry, windy and have extreme temperature changes.
Examples:
Decomposing organisms or decomposers are living things that decompose the remains of dead organisms as well as waste products from other organisms. The presence of decomposers is essential in the recycling of nutrients, so that organic substances can return to the soil and favor the growth of vegetation in the steppes.
Examples:
Besides being found in the United States, Siberia, Tibet, and China, steppes can also be found in Indonesia, you know!
One area that has a steppe ecosystem is East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), especially on the island of Timor. There, you can see vast expanses of grasslands and various steppe grass-eating animals cultivated by the local community.
Although not as popular as Savanna, the steppe biome still has a unique natural charm and is often used as a tourist destination. Its vast landscape with typical grass vegetation and the diversity of large mammals are its main attractions. The beauty of the steppes is no less amazing than other ecosystems.
So, are you interested in exploring the beauty of the steppes and feeling the atmosphere of a different nature?
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