Central tall grasslands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central tall grasslands |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Big bluestem, Andropogon gerardi
|
|
 |
|
| Ecology | |
| Realm | Nearctic |
| Biome | Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands |
| Borders |
List
|
| Bird species | 228 |
| Mammal species | 67 |
| Geography | |
| Area | 248,400 km2 (95,900 sq mi) |
| Country | United States |
| States | North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin |
| Climate type | Humid continental (Dfa) |
| Conservation | |
| Habitat loss | 95.7% |
| Protected | 0.95% |
The Central tall grasslands are a special type of prairie found in the Midwestern United States. This area is part of the larger North American Great Plains. It is known for its very tall grasses.
Contents
What are the Central Tall Grasslands?
This unique natural area is called an ecoregion. An ecoregion is a large area of land or water that has its own distinct plants, animals, and environment. The Central tall grasslands are famous for their rich plant life and fertile soil.
Where are These Grasslands Found?
This ecoregion stretches across a big part of the central United States. You can find it in southern Minnesota and most of Iowa. It also forms a narrow strip from southeastern North Dakota through eastern South Dakota and eastern Nebraska. The grasslands extend into northeastern Kansas.
The Central tall grasslands receive about 1000 millimeters (or 39 inches) of rain each year. This is more rain than many other parts of the Great Plains get. To the north, you'll find the Northern tall grasslands. They have different types of grasses. To the south, the Flint Hills tall grasslands have a rockier landscape.
The Amazing Plants of the Prairie
Long ago, this area was the biggest tallgrass prairie in the world. The good rainfall and warm summers helped many plants grow. Grasses could reach up to 2 meters (or 6.6 feet) high! Many colorful wildflowers also grew among the grasses.
Scientists have recorded many plant species here. For example, 265 different plants were found in Iowa. Near Lincoln, Nebraska, 237 species were counted in just one square mile. The Missouri River Valley also had 225 plant species.
The soil in these grasslands is very rich. Because of this, much of the original prairie has been turned into farmland. This is especially true compared to nearby areas like the Flint Hills. Today, the Central tall grasslands are a big part of the "Corn Belt" in the Midwest. Farmers grow lots of corn and soybeans here.
Important Grass Species
Some of the most common grasses in this ecoregion are:
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi)
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
- Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Animals That Once Roamed Here
In the past, these prairies were home to many large grazing animals. Huge herds of American bison (Bison bison) once fed on the tall grasses. Elk (Cervus elaphus) also lived and grazed across these vast lands.
Protecting These Special Places
Sadly, most of the original tallgrass prairie is gone. Only small pieces remain today. However, people are working hard to bring these prairies back. This effort is called prairie restoration.
One great example of this work is at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is located in Jasper County, Iowa. Here, people are planting native grasses and wildflowers. They are helping to restore this important habitat for future generations.
Learn More
- List of ecoregions in the United States (WWF)
