Final answer:
The Blackland prairie is characterized by a semi-arid climate with annual precipitation ranging from 25 to 75 cm, and a dominant presence of grasses that contribute to the fertility of the densely vegetated and fertile soil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The climatic factors of the Blackland prairie include an annual precipitation range of 25 cm to 75 cm (9.8-29.5 in), the existence of temperate semi-arid climate conditions, and fertility due to dense vegetation. The vegetation primarily consists of grasses that support populations of grazing animals, with few trees present other than those along rivers or streams. The soil's fertility is attributed to the dense network of roots and rhizomes of these grasses, which not only anchor the plants but also replenish the soil's organic material. This ecoregion experiences significant temperature swings from day to night and from summer to winter, reminiscent of the steppes of the eastern United States.
The Blackland prairie is also influenced by human activities like agriculture, which has shaped its ecosystem over time. This includes the converting of natural prairie into farmland and the impact of the Dust Bowl during the 1930s, as intensive plowing disrupted the deep root structures that previously protected the topsoil from erosion.