30 Questions
What type of ecosystem used to exist across much of the United States from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains?
Prairie
Which Act in 1862 gave Euro-Americans an opportunity to own land that was previously the ancestral land of many Native American nations?
The Homestead Act
What did early Euro-American settlers primarily convert the prairie land to for use?
Agricultural use
What is one of the critical roles of the prairie ecosystem mentioned in the text?
Serving as a habitat for diverse organisms
In addition to fertile soil, what other ecosystem service does the prairie provide according to the text?
Water filtration
What type of activity did early Euro-Americans engage in across the open expanse of the Great Plains according to the text?
Cattle herding
What major economic activity is mentioned as providing jobs and food in the prairie ecosystem?
Agriculture
How many American bison were estimated to be in population around 1800?
60 million
What does the bison population graph show regarding their numbers over time?
Steady decline
In what way were bison identified in the prairie ecosystem by scientists?
As a keystone species
What were the primary sources of impacts by human activities on the bison population?
Hunting, habitat destruction, and competition
Why is the prairie ecosystem considered significant beyond economic activities?
Due to its high biodiversity
What is the main goal of the American Prairie Reserve conservation plan?
To restore the American prairie in Montana
How might adding additional protected lands contribute to the 30 by 30 Initiative?
By helping achieve the goal of protecting 30% of lands by 2030
How do bison potentially impact cattle when they graze on public lands?
By competing with cattle for resources
What right do ranchers have regarding grazing on public lands?
They have the right to allow their cattle to feed and roam freely on public lands
Why might a higher biodiversity of herbivores be predicted when bison are present?
Bison reduce competition among herbivores, allowing for more species diversity
In what way does the American Prairie Reserve aim to connect lands?
By purchasing private land to create connections
What type of relationship exists between the pronghorn population and the coyote population in the model?
Positive
In the context of bison removal from the prairie ecosystem, what effect would you predict on the system based on the information provided?
Decrease in biodiversity
What is the difference in grass cover between areas with and without bison in the study?
Higher grass cover without bison
Based on the information provided, what could account for the different levels of forb plants in areas with and without bison?
Bison feeding on forb plants
How do scientists believe maintaining and increasing biodiversity contributes to conserving ecosystems?
It enhances ecosystem stability
What do the red lines and blue lines represent in the model of the prairie ecosystem?
Red lines indicate positive relationships, blue lines indicate negative relationships
How do residents feel about having ranches sold to the reserve?
Angry and opposed, wanting to maintain ownership of the land
What is the primary role of bison for Indigenous people in the area?
Supplying food, shelter, clothing, tools, and cultural teachings
How do most residents and tourists value the land in the American west?
For recreation and personal enjoyment
Why might ranchers oppose the conservation plan of buying private land and connecting to public land?
They see it as a threat to their businesses and way of life
What might be a potential trade-off for Native Americans if the conservation plan moves forward?
Loss of traditional lands or territories
What recommendation might align with the 30 by 30 Initiative regarding connecting private and public land?
Support connecting private and public land for conservation purposes
Test your knowledge on the historical range and characteristics of the North American prairie ecosystem. Explore the composition of grasslands and the impact of white settlement on the Great Plains.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
