This region lies in the interior of the continents and therefore receives low rainfall. Interior location is also responsible for high annual range of temperature between warm summer and cold winter. Rainfall occurs as a result of convectional ascent of air during summer. The natural vegetation is predominantly short grasses. The grasslands are known by different local names. They include the Steppes of Eastern and Central Asia, the Prairies of North America, the Pampas of Argentina, the Veldt of South Africa and the Downs of Australia. Owing to low rainfall and cold winter, trees are generally absent. The region has fertile black soils, which are rich in organic matter.
The Red Indians of North America who inhabited region were nomadic hunters. In Central Asia nomadic herding of animals is the main occupation of primitive people. Such nomadic way of life prevails only in areas. In the United States and former Soviet Union, extensive mechanized agriculture has developed. Extensive level plains, large size of farm and shortage of farm labour have led to use of machinery for all types of work on the farms. Wheat is the most widespread crop cultivated in these grasslands. U.S.A., Canada, Argentina and Australia are major exporters of wheat. Maize is also cultivated in warmer parts of the region.
Pastoral industry has also developed on a commercial scale in these grasslands. Cattles are reared in warmer and welter regions while sheep thrive in colder and drier parts. Machines are used for slaughtering of animals, packing of meat, milking of dairy cows, processing of milk and the shearing of wool. Large scale export of meat and dairy products from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina has become possible by the use of refrigerated holds in ships. These grasslands supply the food needs of the world with exports of wheat, beef, mutton and dairy products.
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