Why is the Eurasian Steppe similar to the North American prairie?

The Eurasian Steppe and the North American prairie are considered similar because they share comparable mid-latitude steppe and desert climates, characterized by their location deep within continental interiors, far from maritime moisture sources. Both regions experience hot summers, cold winters, and relatively low annual precipitation, which prevents the growth of forests and supports vast, open grasslands.123

These environmental parallels have resulted in several shared characteristics:

• Vegetation: Both regions are dominated by similar types of perennial true grasses, including species of Stipa, Agropyron, and Festuca.3
• Soil: Both are often characterized by chernozem, a highly fertile, dark soil rich in humus that forms under these specific grassland conditions.42
• Fauna: The open landscapes of both regions historically supported similar ecological niches, including large grazing mammals—such as the bison in North America and various antelope species in Eurasia—and numerous small burrowing rodents that play a vital role in maintaining the grassland habitat.23