What characterizes a prairie ecosystem?

A prairie ecosystem is primarily characterized by vast grasslands, which are dominated by grasses and have very few trees. This environment supports a rich diversity of herbaceous plants, which are non-woody flowering plants that thrive in such conditions. Prairies typically experience moderate rainfall, making them distinct from wetlands that hold standing water or dense forests filled with numerous tree species. Therefore, the presence of limited trees alongside a wide variety of herbaceous plants and grasses underscores the essential features of a prairie ecosystem, distinguishing it from other types of ecosystems like forests, wetlands, or mountainous regions.