Images © by James L. Reveal, Norton-Brown Herbarium, University
of Maryland, unless otherwise credited.
XII.
Grasslands
C. The Great Plains:
b. Mid-grass Prairie: central unit.
c. Tall-grass Prairie: eastern unit
3. Animals: Dominated by grazing animals (deer, antelope,
buffalo - once
common but now rarely
native
to the range) and song birds that sing on the wing. A common animal is
the
prairie
dog. The
black-footed
ferret is a rare species.
4. History:
5. Exploitation:
D. Palouse Prairie:
E. California Grasslands:
2. Features:
3. Vegetation:
4. Animals: Deer, antelope, elk (see Tule elk in morning
beach fog at right) and buffalo were common, only deer still common. Numerous
birds including many species of waterfowl.
5. History: Long-term areas with little or no impact from recent
glaciation.
6. Exploitation: Central Valley grassland almost totally converted into farm
land. Coastal grasslands being invaded by
expanding
urbanization. Grazing and exotic weeds major problems in some areas.