Here's why:
* Prairie: Prairies are grasslands, characterized by open spaces and relatively few trees. They can exist in different environments.
* High Meadow: High meadows are found at higher elevations in mountainous regions, typically above the treeline. They are often lush and filled with wildflowers.
* Mountain Passes: Mountain passes are gaps in mountain ranges that allow for travel between different valleys or sides of a mountain.
While a high meadow might be found near a mountain pass, it's not a defining characteristic. High meadows can exist in many different locations within mountainous terrain, not just near passes.
In summary: A prairie high meadow is a high elevation grassland that can be located in a variety of mountainous settings, including near mountain passes, but not necessarily only there.
