Prairie Infographic
By: Arvind and Varun
Climate
Average Temperature During The Winter: 20° F
Annual Precipitation: 10-30 inches
Examples and Regions
Limiting Factors
Diseases: Since animals populations in prairies are packed close together disease can spread quickly.
Natural Disasters: Tornadoes and other disasters could upset the balance of the food chain which could upset the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Human interaction: Human activity is what limits the expansion of the biome and can limit the parameters of the area animals can occupy.
General Range of NPP
Explanation: The organisms in the prairie biome biome annually accumulate 3000 kilocalories per square meter
Soil Qualities
- Porous
- Has a thin layer of decayed matter
- Fertile
- Rapidly drains water
- Shallow
- Mostly supports a variety of grasses
Plant Qualities
- They have deep stems to prevent being blown away
- Can grow up up to 5-6 feet tall
- Thin narrow leaves
- Brightly colored leaves to attract pollinators
- Carry toxins to ward of predators
- Grow in bunches they can stand strong winds
Animal Qualities
- They have broad, flat topped teeth to eat tough grass
- They have front legs and paws to burrow into the ground.
- They have brownish skin color to blend into surroundings.
- Are nocturnal to avoid predators.
- Sharp claws and teeth allow them to dig though dirt easily.
Current Issues
- Global Warming could cause prairies to become deserts
- Urban expansion reduces the are of parries
- Lack of plant diversity can increase risk for disease
- GMOS have expanded into and taken over prairies
Biome Importance
- They provide habitats for many animals and plants.
- Grow healthy crops to feed animals.
- Provide thousands of products to feed animals.
- The plants improve water quality.
- Produce some of richest soil in the world
Bibliography
Why Are Prairies Important?" Why Are Prairies Important? | 4-H Youth Development. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016. <http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/content/why-are-prairies-important>.
"Prairie:Ecosystems:Prairie Plants:Adaptations." Prairie:Ecosystems:Prairie Plants:Adaptations. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016. <http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/prairie/htmls/eco_adapt.html>.
"Prairie:Ecosystems:Animals:Adaptations." Prairie:Ecosystems:Animals:Adaptations. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016. <http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/prairie/htmls/eco_an_adapt.html>.
Society, National Geographic. "Grasslands Threats, Wetlands Threats - National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016. <http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/grassland-threats/>.