why are there not very many trees in prairie ecosystems?
lightning burns them down.
low rainfall makes it hard for them to thrive.
tornadoes uproot them.
they receive too much rainfall.
1 answer
The primary reason for the scarcity of trees in prairie ecosystems is the low rainfall. Prairies typically receive less rainfall compared to forested areas, creating an environment that is not conducive to tree growth. The limited availability of water restricts the growth and survival of trees, as they require a significant amount of water to thrive. Instead, prairies are dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants that are better adapted to the dry conditions. Lightning and tornadoes can occasionally have an impact on tree populations in prairies, but they are not the main factors contributing to the lack of trees in these ecosystems.