Which climate region is characterized by semi-arid conditions and short grass vegetation?

The climate region characterized by semi-arid conditions and short grass vegetation is indeed the steppe. This type of climate typically features low to moderate rainfall, which is not sufficient to support dense forests or large amounts of agriculture, leading to the prevalence of grasslands.

Steppes are often found in transitional areas between deserts and more humid climate regions. They have distinct seasonal changes and can experience significant temperature variations between seasons. The vegetation, mainly short grasses and hardy shrubs, is specifically adapted to withstand the drier conditions and plays a crucial role in soil conservation, as well as providing habitat for various organisms.

In contrast, the Mediterranean climate is characterized by wet winters and dry summers, supporting different types of vegetation, such as scrub and oak forests. Tropical climates are humid and support dense forests, whereas tundra regions are characterized by cold temperatures and limited vegetation, primarily moss and lichens rather than grasses. Each of these other regions exhibits conditions and vegetation types that are distinctly different from those found in steppe climates.