What is the Difference Between Prairie and Plain?

Prairies and plains are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Definition: A prairie is a specific type of plain, covered with perennial grass and mostly treeless. A plain, on the other hand, is a more general term referring to any open, flat area that is treeless.
2. Vegetation: Prairies are grasslands, with tall, mid, or short grass, depending on the region. Plains can have varying degrees of vegetation, including grasslands, forests, or even deserts, depending on the climate and location.
3. Topography: Prairies are generally wetter and more hilly than plains. Plains are characterized by their flatness, with little or no elevation or depression.
4. Location: Prairies are mostly found in the interior regions of North America and Canada, collectively known as the Great Plains. Plains can be found on various altitudes and in different locations worldwide, including the Salisbury Plain in the UK and the Babylon Plains in Iraq.

In summary, a prairie is a specific type of grassland with distinct vegetation and topography, while a plain is a more general term referring to any flat, treeless area. Although the two terms may be used interchangeably in some cases, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Comparative Table: Prairie vs Plain

Prairies and plains are both expanses of flat grassland, but they have distinct differences in terms of climate, vegetation, and geographical location. Here is a table summarizing the differences between prairies and plains:

Prairies are wetter, more hilly, and have tall-grass vegetation, while plains are flatter, more arid, and have mid-height grasses and bunch grasses with some tall grasses and wildflowers. Prairies are part of the Interior Plains in North America, while the Great Plains is a distinct region located just east of the Rocky Mountains. In Canada, the term "prairie" is more commonly used, and the region is known as the Canadian Prairies, Prairie Provinces, or simply "the Prairies".