Prairie Ecology (Rangeland Ecology)

How much of the land in Texas is currently classified as rangeland?

In 1820, about how much of Texas was classified as rangeland?

A rangeland is ________.

Which of the following biome types may include rangelands? (choose all that apply)

The goal or goals of rangeland management is/are: (choose all that apply)

Historically, the single biggest problem in rangeland management has been __________.

The factors included in rangeland management are: (choose all that apply)

Rangeland management __________.

Rangeland management practices have changed from an early focus on maximizing production of livestock to a focus on: (choose all that apply)

What ecological principles is grazing management based on? (choose all that apply)

Different species of animals do not necessarily compete for food in a rangeland. Cattle prefer eating _____, while sheep prefer eating _____, and deer and goats prefer eating _____.

The basic building block of a grass plant is the _____, which includes the blade, node and sheath of a grass leaf:

The stem of a grass plant is called the

Prior to human intervention in Texas, most rangeland was maintained as open grassland by _____. (choose all that apply)

Native grass pastures that do not receive fertilization or irrigation should be managed so that livestock only take about _____ of the year’s current growth.

It is not good range management practice to fertilize native grass pastures, because __________.

The process by which pioneer plants such as grasses and forbs create soil is called __________.

In areas with existing soil, the natural process of changing plant communities triggered by a disturbance such as fire, drought, overgrazing is called __________.

True or False: Weeds often are essential to the health of the overall ecosystem, even if not eaten by domestic livestock.

True or False: A large portion of the 1,500 wildflower species in Texas are considered agricultural or livestock industry weeds.