Prairie People
The
rolling acres of grassland stretching across the center of the United States are
a classic American image. The prairie grasslands begin with the Great Plains at
the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains and extend all the way to the
Appalachian Mountains in the eastern part of the country. The Rocky Mountains
prevent moist air from moving over the Great Plains, and this shadow helps to
keep the prairie grasslands extremely dry.
Despite
these extremes, many plants and animals such as wildflowers, pronghorn antelope,
mule deer, prairie dogs, and coyotes make their homes in the prairie grasslands.
In addition, small, isolated wetlands dot the dry prairies, providing
much-needed water and aquatic habitat for birds.
Infograph
rolling acres of grassland stretching across the center of the United States are
a classic American image. The prairie grasslands begin with the Great Plains at
the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains and extend all the way to the
Appalachian Mountains in the eastern part of the country. The Rocky Mountains
prevent moist air from moving over the Great Plains, and this shadow helps to
keep the prairie grasslands extremely dry.
Despite
these extremes, many plants and animals such as wildflowers, pronghorn antelope,
mule deer, prairie dogs, and coyotes make their homes in the prairie grasslands.
In addition, small, isolated wetlands dot the dry prairies, providing
much-needed water and aquatic habitat for birds.
Infograph