Limestone Most of the limestone in Kansas is marine in origin although some developed in fresh water. The limestone rigdes which are currently exposed on the rolling hills of the Konza were formed during the Permian period. Large numbers of invertebrate fossils have been found on these limestone beds. When the softer shale around these ridges erodes away the layer become more and more conspicuous. Grazing The three main factors which influence the evolution of grasses are drought, fire, and grazing.
Research indicates that most grasses show an increased growth when subjected to moderate grazing.
Cattle and bison are the main grazing mammals. Since grazing is experimentally manipulated, the grazers must be confined to specific areas. An electric fence is used to keep bison fenced in. For the last few thousand years, grasslands have stretched from central Canada to the southern United States and into Mexico. Tallgrass prairies represent a small portion of these grasslands.