Life in the Temperate Grasslands

Q19. Who are called Red Indians?

Ans. The grasslands of Prairies were the home of native Americans often called “Red Indians”. They were the actual habitant of the continent.

Q20. Why Prairies are known as the ‘Granaries of the World’?

Ans. The Prairies are known as the “Granaries of the world,” due to the huge surplus of wheat production.

Q21. What are the two types of grasslands?

Ans. The two broad categories of grasslands are: those that occur in the temperate region and those that occur in the tropical regions.

Q22. What is the major occupation of the people of the South African grasslands?

Ans. Sheep rearing is the most important occupation of the people of the South African grasslands.

Q23. Why is there a rise of wool industry in the velds?

Ans. Sheep rearing is the most important occupation of the people. Sheep is bred mainly for wool and has given rise to the wool industry in the velds.

Q24. Which is the two most developed countries in the world which located in prairies region?

Ans. Two of the most developed countries in the world - the USA and Canada are located in prairies region.

Q25. Where are prairies located?

Ans. The prairies are bound by the Rocky Mountains in the West and the Great Lakes in the East. Prairies cover parts of United States of America and parts of Canada.

Q26. What are chinook winds and what are its effects?

Ans. Chinook is a hot wind that blows in winter and therefore raises the temperature within a short time. This increase in temperature results in the melting of snow, making pasture land available for grazing of animals.

Q27. Write a note on the flora and fauna of the Velds.

Ans. The vegetation cover is sparse. Grasses dominate the landscape. Red grass grows in bush velds. In the high velds acacia and maroola are seen to be growing. The animals of the velds are primarily lions, leopards, cheetah and kudu.

Q28. Write a brief note on the climate of the prairies?

Ans. Being located in the heart of a continent; the climate is of continental type with extreme temperatures. The summers are warm with temperatures of around 20°C, while in winter -20°C has been recorded in Winnipeg, Canada. In winters a thick blanket of snow covers this region. The annual rainfall is moderate and is ideal for the growth of grass. Due to the absence of the north-south barrier, a local wind “Chinook” blows here.

Q29. What are the major occupations of the people living in prairies?

Ans.  The people of this region are very hard working. Their main occupation is farming. They use scientific methods of cultivation such as tractors, harvesters and combines. The Prairies are also known as the “Granaries of the world,” due to the huge surplus of wheat production.

Dairy farming is another major occupation of the people of prairies. Dairy farming and extensive agriculture both promote setting up of food processing industries.

Q30. Describe the flora and fauna of the prairies.

Ans. Prairies are practically tree-less. Where water is available, trees such as willows, alders and poplars grow. Places that receive rainfall of over 50 cm, are fertile. Crops grown in this area are maize, other crops including potatoes, soybean, cotton and alfa-alfa. Areas where rainfall is very little or unreliable, grasses are short and sparse. These areas are suitable for cattle rearing. Bison or the American buffalo is the most important animal of this region. The other animals found in this region are rabbits, coyotes, gophers and Prairie dog.

Q31. What are the activities performed by the people of Velds?

Ans. Activities performed by the people of Velds

                       i.        Velds are known for cattle rearing and mining.

                      ii.        People are engaged in farming where the land is fertile. The main crops are maize, wheat, barley, oats and potato. Cash crops like tobacco, sugarcane and cotton are also grown.

                     iii.        Sheep rearing is the most important occupation of the people in the warmer and wetter regions. Sheep is bred mainly for wool and has given rise to the wool industry in the velds.

                     iv.        Dairy farming is the next important occupation. The dairy products like butter, cheese are produced for both domestic supply and also for export.

Q32. What are distinguishing features of the prairies?

Ans. Distinguishing features of the prairies are:

                       i.        The temperate grasslands of North America are known as the Prairies. It is a region of flat, gently sloping or hilly land.

                      ii.        For the most part, prairies are treeless but, near the low lying plains, flanking river valleys, woodlands can be found.

                     iii.        Tall grass, upto two metres high, dominates the landscape. It is actually a “sea of grass.”

                     iv.        The prairies are bound by the Rocky Mountains in the West and the Great Lakes in the East.

                      v.        Prairies cover parts of United States of America and parts of Canada. In the USA, the area is drained by the tributaries of Mississippi and the Canadian prairies are drained by the tributaries of Saskatchewan Rivers.