Paradigm | Accepted set Models and beliefs Govern define scope |
A
small tree interlopes in the tallgrass prairie of the Flint Hills at dawn. This is a multifarious ecosystem including forbs (wildflowers), trees, birds, mammals, insects and microorganisms - but grass rules. The biome requires prairie wildfires for survival and renewal. By definition prairies are less than 5-10% tree covered, as tree seedlings and intrusive foreign species are eliminated by periodic burnings. The splendid visible portion represents only half the story; the other half is an underground dense network of roots running as deep as eight feet. The homesteaders designated the native “sea of grass” a nuisance to be replaced as soon as possible with crops.
“Not a breath of air stirred over the free and open prairie; the clouds were like light piles of cotton; and where the blue sky was visible, it wore a hazy and languid aspect.” - Francis Parkman
