* Grasses: The dominant vegetation is grasses, ranging in height from short to tall.
* Few Trees: Trees are scarce, usually limited to areas with more moisture or along riverbanks.
* Flat Topography: The land is generally flat or gently rolling, with few hills or mountains.
* Temperate Climate: Prairies typically have temperate climates with hot summers and cold winters, with varying amounts of rainfall.
The word "prairie" comes from the French word "prairie," which means "meadow" or "grassland."
Here are some examples of prairies around the world:
* North American Prairies: These are the most well-known and cover vast areas of the United States and Canada.
* Pampas of South America: These are grasslands in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.
* Steppes of Asia: These are grasslands that stretch across central Asia.
* Veld of Africa: These are grasslands found in South Africa.
So, "prairies" refer to a specific type of ecosystem characterized by vast, flat areas of grass, few trees, and a temperate climate.