Ecology and ecosystem functions of native prairie and tame grasslands in the Northern Great Plains

Grasslands occupy more than a quarter of the world's land surface area and are valuable sources of food, forage, fibre and medicine. Grasslands also provide a wide range of critical ecosystem services (i.e. functions important to people) such as air and water purification, nutrient cycling, regulation of atmospheric gases, and are an important source of biodiversity. Despite the extent and widespread use of grasslands worldwide, the effects of human activities on grassland ecosystem functions by the removal of native herbivores, agriculture, habitat fragmentation and the introduction of exotic plants are poorly understood. Here, I compare the ecology and ecosystem functions provided by native prairie and tame grasslands dominated by exotic species using examples from the northern Great Plains. I suggest that one powerful approach to prairie conservation is to recognize and value the important ecosystem services that these grasslands provide.