what are prairies

Prairies are flat, fertile lands dominated by grasses and are considered part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome by ecologists. They are characterized by moderate temperatures, moderate rainfall, and few trees. Prairies contain various lush flora and fauna, often contain rich soil maintained by biodiversity, with a temperate climate and a varied view. The peak flowering season of the North American prairies is in late summer or early autumn. Prairies are considered to be fire-dependent ecosystems, and regular controlled burning by Native Americans maintained the biodiversity of the prairie, clearing away dead vegetation and preventing trees from shading out the diverse grasses and herbaceous plants. Large grazing animals, particularly bison, are also important for the maintenance of prairies. The American prairie has been an important part of human culture for a very long time, from indigenous cultures to European colonists, and has turned into a huge source of food for people around the globe. However, the demand for more farms for both crops and ranching, as well as expanding cities, has led to much of the prairie being lost. There exist many organizations that are hoping to not only preserve the prairie we have left but also restore land as well.