Tall grass prairies are located between the Mississippi River and Nebraska. They receive between 10 and 30 inches of rain per year and have a growing season from late spring to early fall when temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil is dark brown or black and nutrient-rich due to the dense roots of the native grasses. Common plants include asters, sunflowers, and wildflowers which have adaptations like extensive root systems and upright forms to compete for sunlight. Native animals include bison, deer and small burrowing animals that live in large herds or have warm fur to survive the harsh winters. However, human impacts like farming non-native crops have eliminated most of the natural prairie and its