Part 1 - The History and Significance of a Tallgrass Prairie

Section 1 - Background to Prairie Ecosystems

1) Historically, what was the land area of Ontario that was classified as prairie?

2) Where is not a good place to start a prairie restoration?

3) Identify three mammals and two birds that depend on the tallgrass prairie habitat.

4) What soil type is produced underneath a prairie ecosystem?

5) When did prairie and grasslands first appear on the planet? What is the name of this geological time period?

6) How did the use of prairies and grasslands evolve in human societies?

7) What is a major global consequence of the destruction of prairies and an overuse of the remaining lands?

8) Describe the role of fire in prairie ecology.

9) Explain the difference between the impacts of grazing and overgrazing.

10) Why is the conservation of ecosystems important?