40 Questions
What is a distinctive characteristic of the Butterfly Weed?
Its flowers are orange and arranged in a broad umbel.
Which plant species has stiff, bayonet-shaped leaves with teeth along the edges?
Rattlesnake Master
What is the typical height of the Black-eyed Susan plant?
1-3 feet
What is unique about the American Bumblebee's abdomen?
It is banded with black and yellow.
What is the primary food source for the Field Cricket?
Plant material, such as seeds
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes Dry Prairies from other types of prairies?
Quick drainage of water
What is the typical height of the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)?
2-3.5 feet
Which of the following native plant species is commonly found in Mesic Prairies?
Purple Prairie Clover
Which of the following prairie species can tolerate periods of hot dry weather?
Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata)
What is the primary reason why Mesic Prairies are often occupied by farmland?
Soil is rich and well-drained, making it ideal for farming
Which of the following plant species is an indicator of Wet Prairies?
Joe Pye Weed
What is the duration of the blooming period of the Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)?
2 months
What is the primary adaptation of native prairie grasses that helps them thrive in Dry Prairies?
Deep roots to locate pockets of nutrients
What is biodiversity in the context of ecosystems?
The sum total of all living organisms in a particular area
What is the name of the plant species that has a corolla with a narrow upright tubular structure?
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
What is the primary food source for the Praying Mantis?
diurnal insects (caterpillars, butterflies, and more)
Which insect species is known to migrate annually in both northern and southern directions?
Monarch Butterfly
In which country do Monarch Butterflies overwinter?
Mexico
What is the primary factor affecting the Monarch Butterfly population?
Climate change affecting milkweed
How many generations do Praying Mantis and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail produce in a year?
3 generations
What is the outcome of human influence on ecosystems?
Homogenization of ecosystems
What is a consequence of prairie habitat destruction?
Loss of habitat for other species
What is a characteristic of self-sustaining ecosystems?
Independence from human interference
What is a consequence of modern agricultural practices?
Sterile growth medium
What is a characteristic of plant species adapted to prairie environments?
Adaptation to harsh climate
What is the primary goal of Prairie Sustainability?
To create independence from human involvement and self-sustaining prairie interdependence
What is a key adaptation of native prairie plants?
Their ability to survive desiccation and return with the new season
What is a reason for prairie restoration?
To reconnect humans with the natural environment
What is a key difference between cows and bison in prairie management?
Bison are migratory, while cows are not
What is a key aspect of prairie management?
Annual burning of the prairie
What is a benefit of prairie restoration?
Return of different species to the ecosystem
What is a key aspect of prairie ecosystems?
Soil building
What is a key component of prairie ecosystems?
Microorganisms
What is a goal of prairie restoration and management?
To reconnect humans with the natural environment
What is a key aspect of prairie agriculture?
The use of cows for grazing
What percentage of present-day Illinois was historically covered in prairies?
61%
What was the primary reason for settlers to choose building sites in wooded lots near prairies?
For building material
By 1976, how many counties in Illinois had no high-quality prairie remaining?
39
What is a characteristic of the New England Aster?
It has heart-shaped leaves that clasp the stem
What is the current status of prairies in Illinois?
Prairies cover around 6,100 acres
Test your knowledge of Illinois prairie forb species, including Butterfly Weed, Rattlesnake Master, and Black-eyed Susan. Learn about their growth habits, flower characteristics, and leaf shapes to identify these plants.
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