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The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies Class 5 Notes SST

What are The Prairies?

The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies Class 5 Notes SST

  • Prairies are large, flat or slightly hilly areas covered mostly by grasses.
  • They have a continental climate with:
    1. Hot summers
    2. Cold winters
    3. Moderate rainfall

The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies Class 5 Notes SST


    • The soil in the prairies is very fertile, making it good for growing plants.
    • The Prairies support many different plants and animals.
    • They are found in places like North America, Eurasia, and Australia.
    • These areas lie between 23.5° and 66.5° latitude, in both the northern and southern parts of the Earth.
    • The Prairies are also called temperate grasslands because they are found in regions with moderate temperatures.

Major Features of The Prairies

Different Names in Different Places:

  • North America: The Prairies
  • South America: Pampas
  • Eurasia: Steppes
  • Australia: Downs
  • South Africa: Velds
  • East Africa: Savannas

Climate:

  • Hot summers and cold winters.
  • Rainfall varies:
    1. Eastern side: about 100 cm of rain.
    2. Western side: around 30 cm of rain.

Plants (Vegetation):

  • Three types of grasslands:
    1. Tall grass prairies
    2. Mixed grass prairies
    3. Short grass plains (driest part)
  • Mostly treeless, but some areas have sand dunes.

Animals (Fauna):
Common animals include:

  • Bison, coyotes, prairie dogs, jackrabbits, badgers.
  • Birds like hawks, and insects like grasshoppers and flies.
  • Some reptiles like rattlesnakes.

Farming (Agriculture):

  • The Prairies are important for farming and are called the "Wheat Basket of the World."
  • Crops grown include wheat, maize (corn), barley, oats, and cotton.

Mineral Resources:

  • Prairies have valuable minerals like coal and mineral oil.
  • These are used for mining and making oil products.

Question for Chapter Notes: The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies
Try yourself:Which of the following animals is commonly found in The Prairies?
View Solution

Living of People Affected by Climatic Conditions

The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies Class 5 Notes SST

Climate Variation:

  • The Prairies have hot summers and cold winters.
  • Rainfall is different:
    1. Eastern side: about 100 mm of rain, has tall grasses.
    2. Western side: around 30 mm of rain, has thorny grasses.
  • Because of the harsh weather, fewer people live in prairie regions.

Agriculture:

  • The eastern side has very fertile land, great for growing wheat.
  • The middle to western parts grow maize (corn), barley, oats, and cotton.
  • Farmers use big machines to plant, grow, and harvest crops.
  • Wheat is grown in large amounts and sent to other countries.

Livestock Rearing:

  • The western prairies are used for raising animals like sheep, cows, and horses.
  • Cowboys take care of cattle on ranches, even in tough conditions.
  • Some cows are raised for milk and others for meat.

Question for Chapter Notes: The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies
Try yourself:What type of vegetation is prevalent in The Eastern edge of The Prairies?
View Solution

Economic Importance of The Prairies

Economic activities in prairie regions encompass a variety of sectors that contribute to the overall economic growth and development. These activities include:

Farming:

  • Agriculture is very important in the prairies.
  • Farmers grow crops like wheat, maize (corn), barley, oats, and cotton.

Animal Rearing:

  • People in the prairies raise animals like sheep, cows, and horses for different uses.

Meat Processing:

  • The meat industry is a big part of the economy.
  • They slaughter, process, and package meat for people to buy.

Milk Processing:

  • Dairy farming is also common.
  • They produce milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter for everyone to enjoy.
The document The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies Class 5 Notes SST is a part of the Class 5 Course Social Studies for Class 5.
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FAQs on The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies Class 5 Notes SST

1. What are the main characteristics of The Prairies?
Ans. The Prairies are vast temperate grasslands characterized by flat or gently rolling terrain, fertile soil, and a climate that experiences warm summers and cold winters. They typically have few trees, with grass being the dominant vegetation.
2. How do climatic conditions affect the living of people in The Prairies?
Ans. The climatic conditions in The Prairies, including limited rainfall and extreme temperatures, significantly impact agriculture and livelihoods. Farmers often rely on irrigation and adapt their farming practices to cope with droughts or harsh winters, which can affect crop yields and food availability.
3. What economic activities are prominent in The Prairies?
Ans. The Prairies are primarily known for agriculture, especially the cultivation of wheat, corn, and other grains. Livestock farming is also significant. Additionally, mining and energy production, such as oil and gas extraction, contribute to the economy of the region.
4. How do the natural features of The Prairies support biodiversity?
Ans. The Prairies provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The diverse plant life, primarily grasses, supports numerous species and contributes to a balanced ecosystem, making the Prairies an important area for conservation efforts.
5. What challenges do people face living in The Prairies due to climate?
Ans. People living in The Prairies face challenges such as droughts, which can lead to water shortages and crop failures, and harsh winters that can disrupt transportation and daily activities. These climatic extremes require residents to develop resilience and adaptive strategies for their livelihoods.
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