What do you know about the Tallgrass Prairie?

What is a tallgrass prairie ecosystem?

• A tallgrass prairie ecosystem is a type of forest characterized by tall trees.

• A tallgrass prairie ecosystem is a type of desert characterized by sandy soil.

• A tallgrass prairie ecosystem is a type of wetland characterized by standing water.

• A tallgrass prairie ecosystem is a type of grassland characterized by tall grasses.

Which of the following is a native grass commonly found in tallgrass prairies?

• Big bluestem

• Zoysia grass

• Bermuda grass

• St. Augustine grass

Why is prescribed burning important in tallgrass prairie management?

• Prescribed burning increases the risk of wildfires and damages the ecosystem.

• Prescribed burning reduces soil erosion and improves water quality.

• Prescribed burning helps control invasive species, promotes the growth of native plants, and maintains the health and diversity of the ecosystem.

• Prescribed burning has no impact on the management of tallgrass prairies.

What is this photo taken at the Konza prairie?

• Prairie pothole

• Meteor strike

• Bison wallow

• Soil erosion

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of tallgrass prairies?

• temperate climate

• rich soil

• dense tree cover

• abundant wildlife

What is the primary factor that determines the type and height of grasses found in a tallgrass prairie?

• Rainfall or precipitation

• Wind speed

• Temperature

• Soil pH

Which of the following is the biggest threat to tallgrass prairies?

• Overgrazing by bison

• The next Ice Age

• Habitat destruction and conversion to agriculture

• Grasshopper invasion

What is the role of bison in maintaining tallgrass prairies?

• Feeding on insects and reducing the grass population

• Trampling on grasses and destroying the prairie ecosystem

• Grazing on grasses and creating open spaces for new growth

• Competing with other herbivores for food and resources

Which of the following is a conservation strategy for tallgrass prairies?

• Urban development

• Clear-cutting

• Plowing

• Prescribed burning

What is the approximate percentage of tallgrass prairie that remains in North America?

• 50%

• 25%

• less than 4%

• 10%