

Grass and Lawns
12 snips Jun 20, 2025
Grass covers vast areas of our planet and plays a crucial role in ecosystems and agriculture. This natural marvel has even shaped human diets and civilization itself. The journey of lawn culture is fascinating, transitioning from intricate Persian gardens to the iconic suburban lawns of post-World War II America. Advances in lawn care, such as herbicides, are discussed alongside eco-friendly practices like xeriscaping that respond to modern challenges. Explore the multifaceted world of grass and its remarkable impact on our lives!
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Grass's Global Ecological Impact
- Grass covers about 40% of Earth's landmass, forming a foundational ecosystem layer for many herbivores.
- Grasses include vital food crops providing over 50% of human calories worldwide.
Grass Carbon Sequestration Power
- Grasses sequester carbon by storing it deep in soil via extensive roots.
- This makes grasslands resilient carbon sinks less vulnerable to disturbances like wildfires.
Grass Evolution and Adaptations
- Grasses evolved roughly 66-80 million years ago and became dominant after dinosaurs.
- Their adaptations favor survival in dry, open lands and support co-evolution with grazing mammals.