Describe the climate and agricultural characteristics of the Canadian Prairies.

• A. Warm, wet winters; rice
• B. Tropical climate; sugarcane
• C. Permafrost prevents farming
• D. Cold, dry winters and warm summers; wheat, canola, barley; fertile black soils (chernozem)

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how climate and soil shape farming choices. The Canadian Prairies have a continental climate with cold, dry winters and warm summers. That combination gives a relatively short growing season and conditions that favor drought-tolerant cereal crops. The soils are deep and very fertile—black soils called chernozem, rich in organic matter and capable of holding moisture well—which supports high yields of grains. Put together, these climate and soil characteristics explain why wheat, canola, and barley are dominant crops in the region. Other descriptions—warm, wet winters; tropical conditions; or permafrost—don’t match what you see on the Prairies.