difference between the climate condition and the vegetation of the prairies and the world
Answers
S.No
Velds
Prairies
1.
Temperate grasslands of South Africa are called Velds
Temperate grasslands of North America are known as Prairies
2.
Velds are rolling plateaus with varying heights ranging from 600 m to 1100 m
Tall grass upto 2 m high dominates the landscape which is actually a sea of grass
3.
It is bound by Drakensburg mountains on the East and to its West lies Kalahari desert
They are bound by the Rocky mountains in the West and the Great Lakes in the East
4.
Velds have a mild climate due to the influence of Indian ocean
Prairies cover parts of USA and parts of Canada
5.
Temperature vary between 5°C and 10°C and July is the coldest month of the year and Velds receive rainfall in the summer months
The annual rainfall is moderate and is ideal for the growth of grass
6.
Johannesburg records about 20°C temperature in summer
Due to absence of North – South barrier, a local wind ‘Chinook’ blows here
7.
Vegetation is sparse and grasses dominate the landscape. Red grass grows in bush velds and acacia grow in high velds
Prairies are tree less and wherever water is available trees such as willow, alders grow
8.
Velds are known for cattle rearing and mining.
Places that receive rainfall of over 50 cm are suitable for farming as the soil is fertile
9.
Main crops are maize, wheat, barley, oats and potato. Sheep rearing the most important occupation of the people
Major crop of Prairies is maize, and other crops such as potatoes, soybean, cotton etc are grown
10.
Merino sheep is the popular species found here and the wool is very warm.
Large cattle farms called ranches are looked after by sturdy men called cowboys
11.
Velds have rich reserve of minerals. Gold and Diamond mining are main occupation of people. This has made the area possess well developed transport network
The people of this region are hardworking and employ scientific methods of cultivation which has made North America a surplus food producer
12.
Johannesburg is known as gold capital and Kimberley is famous for diamond mines
Prairies are also known as ‘Granaries of the World’