Here's why:

* Wide Temperature Extremes: Steppes and prairies experience significant differences in temperature between seasons, often with hot summers and cold winters.

* Grassland: Both steppe and prairie are characterized by vast, open grasslands with limited tree cover.

Key Differences:

* Location: Steppes are typically found in the interiors of continents, while prairies are located in more temperate regions.

* Rainfall: Steppes tend to have less rainfall than prairies, leading to drier conditions.

So, while both terms describe a climate with wide temperature extremes and grassy plains, they have subtle differences in location and rainfall.