This type of grassland is fragile and easily disturbed. It is said that paths made by Native Americans forced to march through these lowland areas over 100 years ago are still visible. Such grassland would be called a. tundra.b. chaparral.c. savannah.d. short-grass prairie.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. short-grass prairie.
Short-grass prairies are characterized by a dry climate with limited rainfall, which restricts the growth of taller grasses. These grasslands are found in areas with low moisture availability, such as parts of the western United States, including the Great Plains. They have a delicate ecological balance, and their fragile nature makes them highly susceptible to disturbance.
The presence of paths made by Native Americans, still visible over a century later, highlights the slow recovery of this ecosystem after being disturbed. The disturbance could be due to human activity, like the forced marches of Native Americans or agricultural practices. These disturbances can leave lasting marks, particularly in grasslands where the recovery of vegetation can take many years due to the low moisture levels and the slow rate of regrowth.
Short-grass prairies are dominated by species such as blue grama and buffalo grass, which have adapted to the arid conditions. These grasses are short in height and can survive in regions with limited water and nutrients. Due to the fragile nature of these ecosystems, overgrazing, farming, and urbanization have caused significant damage to the short-grass prairie, leading to a loss of biodiversity and soil erosion.
The ecological importance of short-grass prairies lies in their role as habitat for various species of plants and animals that are adapted to harsh conditions. However, their vulnerability to disturbance makes them especially important to conserve. Effective management and protection of short-grass prairies are necessary to prevent further degradation of these valuable ecosystems.