Prairies An extensive tract of level or rolling land, destitute of trees, covered with coarse grass, and usually characterized by a deep, fertile soil. They abound throughout the Mississippi valley, between the Alleghanies and the Rocky mountains

Prairies are vast, flat or gently rolling grassland ecosystems characterized by tall grasses and a lack of trees. They are found in temperate regions, primarily in North America, and are often referred to as temperate grasslands. In Chapter 9 - Life in the Temperate Grasslands (Overview) of CBSE NCERT Class 7 Geography, students learn about the various aspects of prairies, including their climate, vegetation, animal life, and human activities.

Climate:
Prairies have a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. They experience moderate rainfall, averaging between 25-75 cm per year. The climate is suitable for the growth of grasses but not for the growth of trees.

Vegetation:
Prairies are dominated by grasses, with some areas also featuring wildflowers. The grasses have deep roots that help them survive droughts and fires. Some common grasses found in prairies include buffalo grass, blue grama grass, and big bluestem. Due to the lack of trees, sunlight reaches the ground, allowing the grasses to thrive.

Animal Life:
Prairies support a diverse range of animal life. Large herbivores such as bison and pronghorn antelope graze on the grasses. Predators like coyotes, foxes, and hawks hunt smaller mammals and birds. The prairies are also home to numerous insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Human Activities:
Humans have had a significant impact on prairies. In the past, Native American tribes relied on prairies for hunting and gathering. Today, prairies are largely used for agriculture, with crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans being cultivated. The conversion of prairies into farmland has led to the loss of natural habitats and a decline in native grassland species.

Conservation:
Recognizing the importance of prairies, efforts are being made to conserve and restore these ecosystems. Protected areas have been established to preserve prairie habitats and their biodiversity. Additionally, sustainable agricultural practices and the promotion of native grasses are being encouraged to maintain the ecological balance of prairies.

In conclusion, prairies are temperate grasslands found primarily in North America. They have a unique climate, dominated by grasses and wildflowers. Prairies support a diverse range of animal life and have been impacted by human activities such as agriculture. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve and restore these important ecosystems.

The term prairie is derived from a French word meaning meadow an extensive area of grassland .it originated from the Latin word priata.