All about the Wonderful All about the Wonderful Prairies A-ZPrairies A-Z

Isaiah Barber, Bethany Lier, Isaiah Barber, Bethany Lier, Katelynd Morrow, and Sarah Katelynd Morrow, and Sarah

TaylorTaylor

20122012

AAnimal Adaptationsnimal Adaptations•Some animals, such as bison, have broad, flat-topped teeth and digestive systems especially adapted to feed on grasses.

•Many prairie animals have front legs and paws that allow them to burrow into the ground, where they are protected from predators.

•Many prairie animals are adapted for nocturnal life; that is, they are active at night, which helps conceal their presence from predators.

•The color of many prairie animals blends in with the plant life, which also helps them hide from predators.

Bluestem grassBluestem grassThis grass is also called Turkey feet because the shape of the seed heads look like turkey feet. It is also called beard grass. The name big bluestem grass comes from the fact that this grass can grow to very big, 3 to 10 feet as a matter of fact. It blooms from June through September.

Big bluestem is known as a bunch grass because it grows in little hill shapes. This grass forms 3 inchbronze to purple or green seed heads. The tall and slender stems are blue-green in the summer.

ClimateClimate The prairies of the Midwestern United States are both tall-

grass and short-grass. West of the Mississippi River the temperature is moist and humid. This allows for some very tall grasses of up to 10 feet. Summers are warm and humid. Winters are cold but not to the extreme. The farther west and in the interior of the country, the temperatures becomes drier. Moisture from the Pacific Ocean is blocked by the mountains. This is where the short-grass prairies are found. Summers are hot and winters very cold. There are no natural barriers, like trees, so there is a constant wind. Grasses with deep root systems keep the soil from blowing away. Most animals have adapted to the open, treeless prairie by digging burrows. Even owls, like the Burrowing Owl, use the holes dug by prairie dogs as nesting sites. The mean temperatures for the prairie in January is 20° F, and 70° F in July. Annual precipitation is 10-30 inches.

Desert prairies Desert prairies   In 1933, the Big Prairie Desert was In 1933, the Big Prairie Desert was acquired by the federal government acquired by the federal government and became part of the Manistee and became part of the Manistee National Forest. By the late 1930s and National Forest. By the late 1930s and early 1940s the Big Prairie Desert was early 1940s the Big Prairie Desert was widely publicized as the largest desert widely publicized as the largest desert east of the Mississippi River and had east of the Mississippi River and had become a tourist attraction. Tourists become a tourist attraction. Tourists would come to the desert on summer would come to the desert on summer weekends to hike or drive over the weekends to hike or drive over the dunes and picnic there. Like making dunes and picnic there. Like making lemonade from lemons, it was clever to lemonade from lemons, it was clever to bring tourist money into a depression bring tourist money into a depression era economy by marketing a used up era economy by marketing a used up and barren tract of land as an "eastern and barren tract of land as an "eastern desert". desert".

Earthworms/Lumbricus TerrestrisEarthworms/Lumbricus Terrestris

How long do  worms live?How many young are produced per year?      Do earthworms have eyes?  How do earthworms breathe?How do earthworms breathe?Can earthworms smell? Can earthworms smell? WhatWhat do earthworms eat and do earthworms eat and how muchhow much can they eat in one day? can they eat in one day?Can earthworms freeze?Can earthworms freeze?What is the "bump" in the middle of the earthworm?What is the "bump" in the middle of the earthworm?How can you determine if an earthworm is sexually mature?How can you determine if an earthworm is sexually mature? How do earthworms mate? How do earthworms mate?  How are cocoons produced?How are cocoons produced?How long does it take worms to hatch?How long does it take worms to hatch?How many young worms are produced per year?How many young worms are produced per year?How long does it take earthworms to mature?How long does it take earthworms to mature?Can different species of worms mate creating a hybrid worm?Can different species of worms mate creating a hybrid worm?How long do earthworms live?How long do earthworms live?How do earthworms move?How do earthworms move?What characteristics are used to identify earthworms?What characteristics are used to identify earthworms?What enemies do earthworms have?What enemies do earthworms have?Can earthworms regenerate themselves?Can earthworms regenerate themselves?How can you distinguish the head of an earthworm from the tail?How can you distinguish the head of an earthworm from the tail?How do earthworms obtain their food?How do earthworms obtain their food?How big do earthworms get?How big do earthworms get?

Funtastic FactsFuntastic Facts Tooth brush tree ,the people would chew the green Tooth brush tree ,the people would chew the green

sprouts of the end of the twig and then they would sprouts of the end of the twig and then they would use it to brush their teeth .use it to brush their teeth .

There are basic seasons Spring , Summer , Winter , There are basic seasons Spring , Summer , Winter , Autumn in the Prairie and two in the grasslands Autumn in the Prairie and two in the grasslands Summer and Winter.Summer and Winter.

That Prairie grass is the main plants in the prairie That Prairie grass is the main plants in the prairie and it can grow taller than 7 feet ! and it can grow taller than 7 feet !

there are two different prairies short grass which there are two different prairies short grass which is very dry and blue stem which is very dry.is very dry and blue stem which is very dry.

In the short grass prairie when it rains very hard In the short grass prairie when it rains very hard the lightning can start big wildfires. the lightning can start big wildfires.

GrasslandsGrasslands

Grasslands are often associated with Canada’s prairie provinces, Grasslands are often associated with Canada’s prairie provinces, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, but they also occur right Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, but they also occur right here in southern Ontario. Historically, these ecosystems existed in here in southern Ontario. Historically, these ecosystems existed in large patches from the southernmost tip of Ontario to as far north large patches from the southernmost tip of Ontario to as far north as Georgian Bay and as far east as Kingston. Today, they exist as Georgian Bay and as far east as Kingston. Today, they exist only in small, scattered remnants across this range. Grasslands only in small, scattered remnants across this range. Grasslands can be defined as grass-dominated areas where few or no trees can be defined as grass-dominated areas where few or no trees grow and include prairies and savannas. They are one of the most grow and include prairies and savannas. They are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the original tall grass prairies in endangered ecosystems in the original tall grass prairies in Ontario remains today. Grasslands are important habitats for over Ontario remains today. Grasslands are important habitats for over two-hundred plants and animal species, including many that have two-hundred plants and animal species, including many that have became rare or extinct because of the loss of this habitat type. became rare or extinct because of the loss of this habitat type.

Human effectsHuman effects

   Human had caused a lot of changes to the landscape of and the Human had caused a lot of changes to the landscape of and the animals in grasslands since a long time ago. Large areas of animals in grasslands since a long time ago. Large areas of grassland have been turned into farmlands for growing crops and grassland have been turned into farmlands for growing crops and for rearing cattle. Sometimes, fires are started by human and they for rearing cattle. Sometimes, fires are started by human and they spread quickly through grasses and damage the soils. Moreover, a spread quickly through grasses and damage the soils. Moreover, a large number of animals have been hunted for their valuable body large number of animals have been hunted for their valuable body parts. For example, elephants were shot for their tusks, lions were parts. For example, elephants were shot for their tusks, lions were killed for their fur and bison were hunted for their meats. Many killed for their fur and bison were hunted for their meats. Many animals were hunted to near extinction such as the bison and animals were hunted to near extinction such as the bison and buffaloes. Fortunately, the hunting of these animals had been buffaloes. Fortunately, the hunting of these animals had been banned. Today, only about 1% of grasslands is officially protected banned. Today, only about 1% of grasslands is officially protected but governments are now more aware of this issue. In some but governments are now more aware of this issue. In some places, national parks are set up to preserve the grasslands and places, national parks are set up to preserve the grasslands and grasses are replanted in some other places where grasses have grasses are replanted in some other places where grasses have been cleared for farming. This increasing awareness is certainly been cleared for farming. This increasing awareness is certainly necessary in protecting the grassland biomenecessary in protecting the grassland biome

The American BisonThe American Bison ( (Bison bisonBison bison) was found throughout ) was found throughout the prairie in the early 1700s, but decreased sharply in the the prairie in the early 1700s, but decreased sharply in the late 1700s because of severe winters and heavy hunting late 1700s because of severe winters and heavy hunting with rifles. Native Americans hunted the bison for food and with rifles. Native Americans hunted the bison for food and clothing. It was probably extirpated from Illinois by 1830. It clothing. It was probably extirpated from Illinois by 1830. It grazed on prairie grasses, traveling in herds between grazed on prairie grasses, traveling in herds between summer and winter ranges, which were sometimes a summer and winter ranges, which were sometimes a distance of 400 miles apart.distance of 400 miles apart.The bulls may weigh up to 3,000 pounds. The smaller land The bulls may weigh up to 3,000 pounds. The smaller land slimmer cows weigh up to 900 pounds. Bison are capable of slimmer cows weigh up to 900 pounds. Bison are capable of running at a top speed of 35 miles per hour. Their average running at a top speed of 35 miles per hour. Their average life span is about 25 years. Cows usually give birth to a life span is about 25 years. Cows usually give birth to a single calf in May. single calf in May.

Interesting AnimalsInteresting Animals

Jackal Berry Tree/Jarrah TreeJackal Berry Tree/Jarrah Tree

The Senegal gum acacia is a small to average The Senegal gum acacia is a small to average sized thorn tree of the African grassland savanna. sized thorn tree of the African grassland savanna. It can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has many It can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has many branches that spread out into a flat and rounded branches that spread out into a flat and rounded top. These branches have many thorns that come top. These branches have many thorns that come in pairs. The leaves are a grey-green color. The in pairs. The leaves are a grey-green color. The flowers are yellow or cream colored and grow on flowers are yellow or cream colored and grow on spikes just above the thorns. These flowers turn spikes just above the thorns. These flowers turn into seed pods about 8 inches long and 2-3 inches into seed pods about 8 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. They look like giant dried up pea pods, and wide. They look like giant dried up pea pods, and are yellowish to brown in color, and flat. are yellowish to brown in color, and flat. The jarrah is one of the many species of The jarrah is one of the many species of eucalyptus. The jarrah tree usually grows to about eucalyptus. The jarrah tree usually grows to about 40-50 meters high, with a trunk diameter of three 40-50 meters high, with a trunk diameter of three meters. The trunk of the jarrah is long, straight, meters. The trunk of the jarrah is long, straight, and has no branches on it. The jarrah tree has and has no branches on it. The jarrah tree has rough grayish brown bark with vertical grooves, rough grayish brown bark with vertical grooves, which sheds in long strips. which sheds in long strips.

Jackal Berry Tree!!!

Jarrah Tree!!!

Koloa Maoli/Endangered Koloa Maoli/Endangered Animal?Animal?Koloa maoli

(Hawaiian duck) are generally found inwetland habitats from sea level to 3,000meters (9,900 feet) elevation on all theMHI except for Kaho‘olawe; populationson all islands except for Kaua‘ioriginated from re-introduced birds. OnKaua‘i, populations are found in HanaleiNational Wildlife Refuge and montanestreams. The koloa maoli, or Hawaiian duck, is one of two

extant nativeduck species found in Hawai‘i and is closely related to the well-

known, butnon-native mallard Adult males and females are mottled brown

overall.Males have darker heads and necks, olive bills and bright

orange feet. The bills of females aremore orange, their feet are dull orange, and they are smaller

than males. Koloa maoli(Hawaiian ducks) forage in a wide variety of freshwater

habitats, including artificial wetlands. Habitat loss. In the last 110 years, approximately 31 percent of coastal plain wetlands

have been lost. A shift from wetland agriculture to other agriculture crops also has

reduced the amount of wetland habitats. Koloa ducks are also endangered.

When the settlers of the United States moved westward, they When the settlers of the United States moved westward, they found that the grasslands, or prairies as they called them, were found that the grasslands, or prairies as they called them, were more than just dry, flat areas. The prairies contained more than 80 more than just dry, flat areas. The prairies contained more than 80 species of animals and 300 species of birds, and hundreds of species of animals and 300 species of birds, and hundreds of species of plants. species of plants.

There are two different types of grasslands; tall-grass, which are There are two different types of grasslands; tall-grass, which are humid and very wet, and short-grass, which are dry, with hotter humid and very wet, and short-grass, which are dry, with hotter summers and colder winters than the tall-grass prairie. The summers and colder winters than the tall-grass prairie. The settlers found both on their journey west. When they crossed the settlers found both on their journey west. When they crossed the Mississippi River they came into some very tall grass, some as Mississippi River they came into some very tall grass, some as high as 11 feet. Here it rained quite often and it was very humid. high as 11 feet. Here it rained quite often and it was very humid. As they traveled further west and approached the Rocky As they traveled further west and approached the Rocky Mountains, the grass became shorter. There was less rain in the Mountains, the grass became shorter. There was less rain in the summer and the winters got colder. These were the short-grass summer and the winters got colder. These were the short-grass prairies.prairies.

It depends, in the USA they are in the middle of the country But It depends, in the USA they are in the middle of the country But then there is more desert like prairies in place like in Africa. then there is more desert like prairies in place like in Africa.

LocationLocation

Meadows Meadows

Meadows are ecosystems from an open, disturbed Meadows are ecosystems from an open, disturbed conditions to a forested state. Typically meadows are conditions to a forested state. Typically meadows are presented on roadsides, abandoned agricultural fields and presented on roadsides, abandoned agricultural fields and in other areas where land has been cleared and is in other areas where land has been cleared and is regenerating. The mix of plants species found there is more regenerating. The mix of plants species found there is more varied than in true grasslands, having some grasses, but varied than in true grasslands, having some grasses, but not being dominated by then. Instead there is a variable not being dominated by then. Instead there is a variable mixture of grasses and herbaceous plants mixture of grasses and herbaceous plants

Nothing But GrasslandsNothing But Grasslands

Whatever their origins, grasslands today are found in areas of the Whatever their origins, grasslands today are found in areas of the world world intermediateintermediate in in precipitationprecipitation between between desertsdeserts and and forestsforests.  In the northern hemisphere the main grasslands are the .  In the northern hemisphere the main grasslands are the prairiesprairies of the Midwestern United States and Canada; in Eurasia of the Midwestern United States and Canada; in Eurasia the maker grasslands are the the maker grasslands are the steppessteppes of Russia and the of Russia and the grasslands of the Mideast extending from Turkey to India. grasslands of the Mideast extending from Turkey to India. Grasslands are also found in South America.  Africa certainly has Grasslands are also found in South America.  Africa certainly has grasslands, but the majority of them are classified instead as grasslands, but the majority of them are classified instead as savannassavannas (a tropical grassland with interspersed trees) and they (a tropical grassland with interspersed trees) and they are treated with the are treated with the tropical seasonal foreststropical seasonal forests here. here.

Overused grasslandsOverused grasslands

As a result of all these changes, although grasslands As a result of all these changes, although grasslands cover less than one percent of a province that is cover less than one percent of a province that is dominated by mountains and trees, the area of native dominated by mountains and trees, the area of native grasslands remaining is much less than that. It is difficult grasslands remaining is much less than that. It is difficult to find any large areas of grasslands that have not been to find any large areas of grasslands that have not been disturbed at all. Grassland ecosystems are more disturbed at all. Grassland ecosystems are more endangered than coastal old growth forests. endangered than coastal old growth forests.

Pecking Prairie ChickensPecking Prairie Chickens

Both are stocky, chicken-like birds with small heads, short, Both are stocky, chicken-like birds with small heads, short, rounded tails, and dramatic courtship rituals, after which Plains rounded tails, and dramatic courtship rituals, after which Plains Indians patterned their war dances. On average, males weigh Indians patterned their war dances. On average, males weigh thirty-six ounces and have seventeen-inch lengths and twenty-thirty-six ounces and have seventeen-inch lengths and twenty-eight-inch wingspans. Females are slightly smaller. Uniformly eight-inch wingspans. Females are slightly smaller. Uniformly barred with dark brown, irregular, horizontal stripes over white-barred with dark brown, irregular, horizontal stripes over white-and-buff backgrounds, both sexes have elongated pinnae or "ear" and-buff backgrounds, both sexes have elongated pinnae or "ear" feathers, with those of males being longer. On each side of the feathers, with those of males being longer. On each side of the neck below the pinnae, males have gular air sacs, naked areas of neck below the pinnae, males have gular air sacs, naked areas of inflatable skin, the golden color of which matches the fleshy inflatable skin, the golden color of which matches the fleshy combs above each eye. During spring courtship at traditional combs above each eye. During spring courtship at traditional booming grounds or "leks," multiple males erect their pinnae and booming grounds or "leks," multiple males erect their pinnae and inflate their air sacs while bowing, stamping their feet, and making inflate their air sacs while bowing, stamping their feet, and making low, cooing sounds similar to air blown across a bottle top. A low, cooing sounds similar to air blown across a bottle top. A female attracted by these displays selects a cock, breeds, and female attracted by these displays selects a cock, breeds, and afterwards locates her nest, a grass-lined depression in the soil, afterwards locates her nest, a grass-lined depression in the soil, usually within a half-mile. There, a dozen off-white eggs will hatch usually within a half-mile. There, a dozen off-white eggs will hatch after about twenty-four days of incubation. Chicks stay with the after about twenty-four days of incubation. Chicks stay with the hen for two months or more before dispersing. Diet is vegetation hen for two months or more before dispersing. Diet is vegetation such as leafy forbs, buds, and seeds but during nonwinter months such as leafy forbs, buds, and seeds but during nonwinter months largely consists of insects (especially grasshoppers). Winter flocks largely consists of insects (especially grasshoppers). Winter flocks feed during early morning and late evening, often eating grain feed during early morning and late evening, often eating grain crops, soybeans, or winter wheat, then loafing or later roosting in crops, soybeans, or winter wheat, then loafing or later roosting in

grasslands.grasslands.

Questions About Prairie Questions About Prairie Dogs/Your OpinionDogs/Your Opinion

1.1. Are prairie dogs predators or prey?Are prairie dogs predators or prey?

2.2. Do prairie dogs hibernate?Do prairie dogs hibernate?

3.3. Are Meerkats closely related to prairie dogs?Are Meerkats closely related to prairie dogs?

4.4. How fast are prairie dogs populations declining?How fast are prairie dogs populations declining?

5.5. How long do prairie dogs live in captivity?How long do prairie dogs live in captivity?

6.6. Do prairie dogs eat prairie chicken?Do prairie dogs eat prairie chicken?

7.7. Why are prairie dogs so important?Why are prairie dogs so important?

8.8. Do you think that hunting prairie dogs should be illegal?Do you think that hunting prairie dogs should be illegal?

9.9. What do prairie dogs eat?What do prairie dogs eat?

10.10. Do prairie dogs harm crops?Do prairie dogs harm crops?

11.11. What is the average weight of a prairie dog?What is the average weight of a prairie dog?

Rodents/Prairie dogsRodents/Prairie dogs

Prairie Dogs are robust rodents, slightly grizzled and fat. They have broad, Prairie Dogs are robust rodents, slightly grizzled and fat. They have broad, rounded heads, hairy tails and short legs. The skull has 22 teeth.rounded heads, hairy tails and short legs. The skull has 22 teeth.

Prairie Dogs weigh 1 1/2 to 3 lbs. The head and body are 11 to 13 inches Prairie Dogs weigh 1 1/2 to 3 lbs. The head and body are 11 to 13 inches long, with a tail length of 3 to 4 inches. They are yellowish in color, with long, with a tail length of 3 to 4 inches. They are yellowish in color, with darker ears and a pale buff to whitish belly. Prairie Dogs have whitish or darker ears and a pale buff to whitish belly. Prairie Dogs have whitish or buffy patches on the sides of their nose, their upper lips and around their buffy patches on the sides of their nose, their upper lips and around their eyes in the form of a ring.eyes in the form of a ring.Prairie Dogs have a high-pitched, bark-like call. Recent studies suggest that Prairie Dogs have a high-pitched, bark-like call. Recent studies suggest that Prairie Dogs possess the most sophisticated of all natural animal Prairie Dogs possess the most sophisticated of all natural animal languages. They apparently issue different sounds identifying various languages. They apparently issue different sounds identifying various predators, which include hawks, owls, eagles, ravens, coyotes, badgers, predators, which include hawks, owls, eagles, ravens, coyotes, badgers, ferrets and snakes. Prairie Dogs can run up to 35 miles per hour for short ferrets and snakes. Prairie Dogs can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances. The Prairie Dog has only one defense that works raising the distances. The Prairie Dog has only one defense that works raising the alarm and disappearing quickly.alarm and disappearing quickly.

SavannasSavannas

A savanna is a rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and A savanna is a rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and isolated trees, which can be found between a tropical isolated trees, which can be found between a tropical rainforest and desert biome. Not enough rain falls on a rainforest and desert biome. Not enough rain falls on a savanna to support forests. Savannas are also known as savanna to support forests. Savannas are also known as tropical grasslands. They are found in a wide band on either tropical grasslands. They are found in a wide band on either side of the equator on the edges of tropical rainforests.side of the equator on the edges of tropical rainforests.

Tropic ofTropic of CancerCancer

The tropic of cancer is located at 23.5 degrees North and 23.5 The tropic of cancer is located at 23.5 degrees North and 23.5 degrees South of the Equator , this area of planet Earth (between those two degrees South of the Equator , this area of planet Earth (between those two lines) is known as the “Tropics,” and is colored with a lines) is known as the “Tropics,” and is colored with a lighter blue colorlighter blue color on the on the globe. This area experience no dramatic change in season because the sun is globe. This area experience no dramatic change in season because the sun is consistently high in the sky throughout the year.consistently high in the sky throughout the year.

Tropic of Cancer,Tropic of Cancer, parallel of latitude at 23°30' north of the equator; it is the parallel of latitude at 23°30' north of the equator; it is the northern boundary of the tropics This parallel marks the farthest point north at northern boundary of the tropics This parallel marks the farthest point north at which the sun can be seen directly overhead at noon; north of the parallel the which the sun can be seen directly overhead at noon; north of the parallel the sun appears less than 90° from the southern horizon at any day of the year. The sun appears less than 90° from the southern horizon at any day of the year. The sun reaches its vertical position over the Tropic of Cancer at about June 22, the sun reaches its vertical position over the Tropic of Cancer at about June 22, the summer solsatice in the Northern Hemisphere. When the Tropic of Cancer was summer solsatice in the Northern Hemisphere. When the Tropic of Cancer was named, the sun was in the constellation Cancer at the time of the summer named, the sun was in the constellation Cancer at the time of the summer solstice.solstice.

Under ground burrowing owlsUnder ground burrowing owls Fast facts-Fast facts-Height:Height: About 10 inches. About 10 inches.Weight:Weight: Average is about 6 ounces. Average is about 6 ounces.Unlike most owls in which the female is Unlike most owls in which the female is larger than the male, the two genders of larger than the male, the two genders of the burrowing owl are the same size.the burrowing owl are the same size.

Diet-Burrowing owls eat small mammals Diet-Burrowing owls eat small mammals such as moles and mice during late spring such as moles and mice during late spring and early summer. Later they switch to and early summer. Later they switch to insects, especially grasshoppers and insects, especially grasshoppers and beetles. Burrowing owls are also known to beetles. Burrowing owls are also known to eat birds, amphibians and reptiles.eat birds, amphibians and reptiles.Population-Current burrowing owl Population-Current burrowing owl population estimates are not well known population estimates are not well known but trend data suggests significant but trend data suggests significant declines across their range. Most recent declines across their range. Most recent official estimates place them at less than official estimates place them at less than 10,000 breeding pairs.10,000 breeding pairs.

Did You Know?

When alarmed, young birds will make a hissing call that sounds like a

rattlesnake.

Viruses of the Prairie DogViruses of the Prairie Dog

A prairie dog is susceptible to a number of diseases, the A prairie dog is susceptible to a number of diseases, the most notable being plague. Plague is an infectious disease most notable being plague. Plague is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. Plague can be transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. Plague can be devastating to prairie dog populations, wiping out entire devastating to prairie dog populations, wiping out entire colonies in some areas. This disease was known as "black colonies in some areas. This disease was known as "black death" in the 1300s when about one-third of Europe's death" in the 1300s when about one-third of Europe's human population was lost. Although it can be transmitted human population was lost. Although it can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected flea, plague has to humans through the bite of an infected flea, plague has not been found in prairie dogs in Nebraska and is now not been found in prairie dogs in Nebraska and is now treatable in humans.treatable in humans.

Whispering WindsWhispering Winds

So if you know the temperature and pressure in So if you know the temperature and pressure in different areas, you will always be able to predict the different areas, you will always be able to predict the wind direction. These movements result in a wind direction. These movements result in a global global wind patternwind pattern, with air moving between different , with air moving between different areas around the world and also at different heights in areas around the world and also at different heights in the atmosphere. Colder air from the poles tends to the atmosphere. Colder air from the poles tends to sink and move towards the equator closer to the sink and move towards the equator closer to the surface of the Earth. In contrast, warm air from the surface of the Earth. In contrast, warm air from the equator rises and moves towards the poles high in the equator rises and moves towards the poles high in the

atmosphere because it is lighter. atmosphere because it is lighter. 

X-tra ordinary funtastic factsX-tra ordinary funtastic facts The climate typically consists of warm, wet summers followed by The climate typically consists of warm, wet summers followed by

cold, dry winters with heavy frosts.cold, dry winters with heavy frosts. ·     Vegetation is dominated by grass species with many bulbous ·     Vegetation is dominated by grass species with many bulbous

plants.plants. ·     Shrubs and trees are restricted by fire and frost to protected ·     Shrubs and trees are restricted by fire and frost to protected

kloofs and rocky areaskloofs and rocky areas ·     The topography is characterized by rolling hills and valleys.·     The topography is characterized by rolling hills and valleys. ·     They are generally found at either high altitudes or high ·     They are generally found at either high altitudes or high

latitudes.latitudes. ·     They are often characterized by the presence of many ·     They are often characterized by the presence of many

wetlands.wetlands. 15 of the 34 mammals (44%) endemic to South Africa can be 15 of the 34 mammals (44%) endemic to South Africa can be

found in the Grassland Biome and 4 of these (27%) are found in the Grassland Biome and 4 of these (27%) are endemic endemic to the biometo the biome (Smithers, 1983). (Smithers, 1983).

·     Of the 92 threatened land mammals in South Africa 18 (20%) ·     Of the 92 threatened land mammals in South Africa 18 (20%) can be found in the Grassland Biomecan be found in the Grassland Biome

Yummy Foods of the PrairieYummy Foods of the Prairie1. The _____________________________________ are producers.2. The gophers and grasshoppers are _____________________ consumers.3. Mice are eaten by _____________________.4. Owls eat _____________________.5. Suppose all the prairie grasses were killed off. Then the grasshoppers ____________________.6. Suppose all the owls were killed off. Then the number of gophers _____________________.7. The organisms that are decomposers are __________________________________.8. Coyotes are ________________________________.

Zunderful habitats Zunderful habitats

Easier - A prairie is a region of flat, gently sloping, or hilly land covered chiefly by tall grasses and not many trees. Pioneers who first saw the flat prairies of the American Middle West called them a 'sea of grass.'  

Harder - Prairies, also called grasslands, are one of the main types of natural vegetation or biomes (Others include forest, desert shrub, and tundra). Prairies are areas where either low total annual rainfall (10-20 inches) or uneven seasonal rainfall favor grasses and herbaceous plants over the growth of trees. In some locales, soil conditions or geology also favor grasslands over other types of vegetation. Therefore, most prairies lie between desert shrub and forest lands. Prairies are found on every continent except Antarctica.   Prairies in North American extend from central Texas to southern Saskatchewan, including most of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and parts of other nearby states and provinces. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are the 'Prairie Provinces' of Canada. Today, most of these prairie grasslands are farms and ranches. In many locations, overgrazing by livestock has killed most of the taller grasses.

central Texas to southern Saskatchewan, including most of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and parts of other nearby states and provinces. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are the 'Prairie Provinces' of Canada. Today, most of these prairie grasslands are farms and ranches. In many locations, overgrazing by livestock has killed most of the taller grasses. Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and parts of other nearby states and provinces. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are the 'Prairie Provinces' of Canada. Today, most of these prairie grasslands are farms and ranches. In many locations, overgrazing by livestock has killed most of the taller grasses. , Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and parts of other nearby states and provinces. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are the 'Prairie Provinces' of Canada. Today, most of these prairie grasslands are farms and ranches. In many locations, overgrazing by livestock has killed most of the taller grasses.

Easier - A prairie is a region of flat, gently sloping, or hilly land covered chiefly by tall grasses and not many trees. Pioneers who first saw the flat prairies of

the American Middle West called them a 'sea of grass.'  

Harder - Prairies, also called grasslands, are one of the main types of natural vegetation or biomes (Others include forest, desert shrub, and tundra). Prairies

are areas where either low total annual rainfall (10-20 inches) or uneven seasonal rainfall favor grasses and herbaceous plants over the growth of

trees. In some locales, soil conditions or geology also favor grasslands over other types of vegetation. Therefore, most prairies lie between desert shrub and forest lands. Prairies are found on every continent except Antarctica.

  Prairies in North American extend from central Texas to southern

Saskatchewan, including most of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and parts of other nearby states and

provinces. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are the 'Prairie Provinces' of Canada. Today, most of these prairie grasslands are farms and ranches. In

many locations, overgrazing by livestock has killed most of the taller grasses.

ReferencesReferences

Books: Tropical savannas, A walk in Books: Tropical savannas, A walk in the Prairie, One day in the Prairie, the Prairie, One day in the Prairie, Animals of the Prairie, A grassland Animals of the Prairie, A grassland Habitat, Prairie dogs, Plains, Habitat, Prairie dogs, Plains, Animals under ground, and Lands Animals under ground, and Lands of grass.of grass.