Climate Physical properties of the troposphere of an area based on analysis of its weather records over a long period Two main deciding factors are Temperature and Precipitation Climate determines what can plants and animals can live in an area.

Biomes are the major types of ecosystems found on earth. Each has unique qualities. – Desert – Tropical rain forest – Temperate deciduous forest – Coniferous forest – Savanna – Chaparral – Tundra – Temperate Grassland Biomes

Rain shadow effect

Prairie THE

What’s so special about a field….? Plants Animals Soil Three types of prairies: Tall-grass Short-grass Mixed-grass

Historically 95% of SD... currently 53%

Source

Tall-grass Prairie Wettest prairie Eastern South Dakota Prairies are areas dominated by grasses Plants and animals have evolved together in a mutually dependant relationship

Tall-grass Plant Community Grasses Big bluestem Switch grass Indian grass Western Wheatgrass Wettest prairie Eastern South Dakota

Tall-grass Plant Community Grasses Big bluestem Switch grass Indian grass Western Wheatgrass Forbs Coneflower Sunflower Goldenrod Wettest prairie Eastern South Dakota

What plants are missing….? Why?

Mixed grass prairie

 dominated by western wheat grass

Mixed grass prairie  central and western SD

 dominated by western wheat grass Mixed grass prairie  central and western SD  Majority of prairie remaining in South Dakota

Short-grass Prairie

 dominated by blue gramma and buffalo grass Short-grass Prairie

 dominated by blue gramma and buffalo grass Short-grass Prairie  Scattered spots in western South Dakota

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