US Grasslands & Prairies Quiz
Tallgrass and shortgrass prairies (10 questions).
US Grasslands & Prairies Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Great Plains of North America are divided into distinct grassland types based primarily on rainfall. From the lush tallgrass in the east to the hardy shortgrass in the west, these ecosystems define the American heartland and its agricultural history.
Found in the wetter eastern plains (e.g., Iowa, Illinois). Dominated by grasses like Big Bluestem that can grow 6–8 feet tall.
Located in the drier western plains (e.g., Eastern Colorado) within the rain shadow of the Rockies. Features drought-resistant sod.
Fire and grazing (historically by bison) are essential to prevent trees from encroaching on the grassland.
The Mixed-grass prairie lies between the two, containing species from both the east and west depending on local moisture.
Key Takeaways
- Precipitation decreases significantly from east to west across the Great Plains.
- The Rocky Mountains create a rain shadow that limits rainfall in the shortgrass prairie.
- Tallgrass prairies have largely been converted to intensive agriculture (the Corn Belt).
- The Flint Hills of Kansas represent the largest remaining tract of unplowed tallgrass prairie.
- Bison were the keystone species responsible for grazing and nutrient cycling.
What is the main difference between tallgrass and shortgrass prairies?
The primary difference is precipitation. Tallgrass prairies receive more rain (30+ inches/year), allowing grasses to grow very tall, while shortgrass prairies receive less rain (10–15 inches/year) due to the rain shadow.
Where are the Flint Hills located?
The Flint Hills are primarily located in eastern Kansas and extend into northern Oklahoma. They are famous for being the last major stand of tallgrass prairie because the rocky soil made plowing difficult.
Why are there so few trees on the prairie?
A combination of regular wildfires, historical grazing by large herbivores like bison, and periodic droughts prevents tree seedlings from establishing dominance over the grasses.
What is the “Rain Shadow” effect?
It occurs when a mountain range (the Rockies) forces moisture-laden winds to rise and drop their rain on the western slopes, leaving the land on the leeward side (the western Great Plains) dry.
What caused the Dust Bowl?
The Dust Bowl was caused by the removal of the drought-resistant shortgrass prairie sod for farming, combined with a severe drought in the 1930s, which led to massive soil erosion.
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