Final answer:
The characteristic of midlatitude temperate grasslands is the predominant presence of densely packed grasses, with few trees except near water sources. The region has fertile soil due to roots and rhizomes packing the subsurface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of midlatitude grassland, also known as temperate grasslands, is that the dominant vegetation tends to consist of grasses. These regions are characterized by infrequent trees, except those found along water sources like rivers or streams, and have pronounced annual fluctuations in temperature with hot summers and cold winters. Due to low precipitation, frequent fires, and grazing, the vegetation is dense, consisting primarily of grasses, which helps create fertile soils packed with roots and rhizomes that anchor the plants and replenish organic material. These factors together maintain the treeless condition of these grasslands, which can be found in central North America, where they are known as prairies, and in Eurasia, where they are referred to as steppes.