The interacting system of a biological community and its non-living environmental surroundings in a climatic region where the climate is intermediate between semiarid and humid, and the precipitation supports dense growth of tall or short grasses, but not forests. Sub-humid lands include arid and semi-arid regions, grasslands, savannahs, and Mediterranean landscapes. The biodiversity of dry and sub-humid lands is well adapted to the harsh conditions typified by inconsistent rainfall patterns, and, in many cases, high temperatures. (Source: MMA, draft based on CBD and USDA)