Prairie Animals

Large Grazing Mammals Large grazing mammals have adapted to take advantage of the above ground prairie grasses biomass. Cellulose is hard to digest. High crowned non-abrasive hypsodont teeth with crescent shaped ridges of hard enamel that rise from the gum over time Multiple storage and fermentation chambers before the true stomach. The first called the rumen containing bacterial symbionts that aid in the digestion of the cellulose. Undigested food is regurgitated, remasticated, and swallowed again for more fermentation. Process called rumination. Protective horns and/or endurance runners (pronghorns can run 30 mph for up to 7 miles)

Small Grazing Mammals Lagomorphs do not have the digestive specializations of the ruminants. In these animals, small greenish pellets high in nutrients form in the caecum. These pellets are voided and reingested. This process is called Caprophagy.

Burrowing Mammals Burrowing mammals exploit the below ground vegetative biomass while taking advantage of the moderate microclimate Claws for digging Streamline form

Predatory Mammals There are a variety of predatory mammals on the prairie although many have been displaced by humans (wolves and bears) All have keen sense and rely on stealth and speed in capturing prey

Grassland Birds Prairie birds fill similar niches as prairie mammals Some relying on the grass and forb seed while other eat the numerous invertebrates living on the prairie, and others are important predators They burrow or nest on the ground, and most call on the wing and have aerial displays for attracting mates

Reptiles Being pre-adapted for dry climates, reptiles have been successful on the great plains. Predatory. Specialized burrowers or burrows users

Amphibians Being reliant on water resources for breeding and early development has severely limited the diversity of amphibians Opportunistic breeding when rains Burrowing adaptations

Other Animals Besides the diversity of grasshoppers abundant in the grassland landscape, there are a number of other interesting insects and invertebrates.