The Temperate Grasslands: Prairies - 2 Class 5 Worksheet SST

Q1: Fill in the Blanks:

(ii) The soil in prairies is very ________________, making it suitable for agriculture.
Ans: fertile

(iii) The weather in temperate grasslands can be very ________________, with hot summers and cold winters.
Ans: extreme

(iv) Bison and ________________ were some of the animals that once roamed the prairies.
Ans: prairie dogs

(v) The tall grasses in prairies can reach up to ________________ feet in height.
Ans: six

(vi) The absence of many trees in prairies is mainly due to ________________ and ________________.
Ans: fires and grazing animals

(vii) Farmers often use prairies for growing crops such as ________________, wheat, and oats.
Ans: corn

(viii) The rich soil of prairies is often referred to as ________________ soil.
Ans: black

(ix) The Dust Bowl was a period of severe ________________ in the prairies during the 1930s.
Ans: drought

(x) Prairies are also known as ________________ because of the grasses that cover them.
Ans: grasslands

Q2: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(ii) Which of the following animals is commonly associated with prairies?
(a) Polar bears
(b) Kangaroos
(c) Elephants
(d) Bison
Ans: (d)
Bison were one of the most iconic animals in the prairies and played a significant role in the ecosystem.

(iii) What is the primary reason for the lack of trees in prairies?
(a) Excessive rainfall
(b) Dense fog
(c) Harsh winters
(d) Rich soil
Ans: (d)
The rich soil in prairies is due to the accumulation of organic matter over time. However, the lack of trees is primarily due to fires and grazing, not the soil itself.

(iv) Which crop is commonly grown by farmers in prairies?
(a) Rice
(b) Sugarcane
(c) Corn
(d) Banana
Ans: (c)
Corn is one of the main crops grown in prairies due to the fertile soil and suitable climate.

(v) What event during the 1930s had a severe impact on the prairies?
(a) Earthquakes
(b) Hurricanes
(c) Dust Bowl
(d) Tornadoes
Ans: (c)
The Dust Bowl was a period of severe drought and soil erosion that affected the prairies, leading to massive dust storms.

Q2: True or False:

(ii) Prairie animals are adapted to both hot and cold weather.
Ans: True
Prairie animals have adapted to the extreme weather conditions, including both hot summers and cold winters.

(iii) The Dust Bowl was a period of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Ans: False
The Dust Bowl was a period of severe drought, not heavy rainfall and flooding.

(iv) Prairies are often used for grazing livestock.
Ans: True
Prairies are often used for grazing livestock due to the abundance of grasses.

(v) Prairies are only found in North America.
Ans: False
Prairies and forests have different types of vegetation. Prairies are characterized by grasses, while forests have a variety of trees.

Q3: Match the Following:

Ans:
D - Bison
C - Arid
B - Prairie
E - Humid
A - Loess

Q4: Short Answer Questions:

(ii) How did the animals of prairies adapt to the harsh weather conditions?
Ans: Prairie animals have adapted to harsh weather by having thick fur for insulation, hooves designed for running on open terrain, and behaviors like burrowing to escape extreme temperatures.

(iii) Explain the significance of prairies for agriculture.
Ans: Prairies are important for agriculture due to their fertile soil. Crops like corn, wheat, and oats can be grown here, making prairies essential for food production.

(iv) What led to the Dust Bowl, and how did it affect the prairies?
Ans: The Dust Bowl was caused by a combination of severe drought, improper farming practices, and soil erosion. The fertile topsoil blew away in massive dust storms, devastating agriculture and forcing many to migrate.

(v) How are prairies different from forests in terms of vegetation?
Ans: Prairies are different from forests in terms of vegetation. Prairies are covered mainly by grasses with few trees, while forests have a dense growth of various types of trees and underbrush.