The wildlife of the American West
has adapted to the harsh conditions of the prairie.
Periodic disturbances, such as fire, drought, and wind
are abiotic factors that all prairie organisms must
endure. Poor soil conditions and drought also restrict
the growth of large plants, primarily trees and bushes.
To account for this lack of protective growth, some
prairie animals live in large social groups, while
others inhabit protective burrows.

photo
M. Noonan
Click on any of the links at the
left to learn how specific species have adapted to the
prairie environment.