The soil type of temperate grasslands or steppes is rich in nutrients. Despite this, no trees grow in these areas. This is the case because there is not enough rainfall or moisture to maintain tree growth. 

The vegation of the temperate grassland consists of various kinds of different grasses and bulbous plants. These plants thrive in the dry conditions of the steppes.

Small rodents are the most common animals of the temperate grasslands. The large grasslands of North America, the prairies, are also home to larger mammals such as buffaloes.