Forest–Grassland Ecotones Quiz
Eastern forest to Great Plains prairie transition (10 questions).
Forest–Grassland Ecotones Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The transition from the humid Eastern Deciduous Forest to the semi-arid Great Plains prairie is a classic example of a significant ecological ecotone. This zone is shaped by complex interactions of climate, soil, topography, and natural disturbances like fire, creating a unique biological boundary.
Key Concepts
Key Takeaways
- The eastern forest-Great Plains prairie transition is a prominent ecotone in North America.
- Decreasing precipitation from east to west is the primary driver of this transition.
- The 100th Meridian West is a general line of climatic and ecological change.
- Historically, natural wildfires were crucial for maintaining the prairie ecosystem.
- Mollisols, rich and dark, are characteristic soils of the Great Plains prairie.
- Gallery forests, featuring species like cottonwood, thrive along rivers in drier prairie regions.
- Human agricultural expansion has largely converted the original ecotone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ecotone?
An ecotone is a transitional zone between two distinct ecological communities or biomes. In this context, it’s the fuzzy boundary where forests gradually give way to grasslands.
What primarily causes the eastern forest to transition into the Great Plains prairie?
The most significant factor is the gradual decrease in average annual precipitation from east to west. The eastern side receives enough moisture for forests, while the western side receives less, favoring grasses.
How do wildfires influence this ecotone?
Historically, natural wildfires, often started by lightning or indigenous peoples, were frequent. They effectively suppressed tree saplings and promoted the growth of fire-adapted prairie grasses, helping to maintain the prairie ecosystem.
What is the significance of the 100th Meridian West in this transition?
The 100th Meridian West broadly marks the line where annual precipitation drops below 20 inches (50 cm), a critical threshold for widespread dryland farming without irrigation, and a general shift from humid to semi-arid climates, influencing vegetation.
Which major mountain range influences the climate of the Great Plains, leading to its dryness?
The Rocky Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect. As moist air from the Pacific rises over the Rockies, it cools, condenses, and precipitates on the western slopes, leaving drier air to descend on the eastern side, contributing to the aridity of the Great Plains.
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