Secretly Incredibly Fascinating
Grass
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Quick takeaways
- Grass is incredibly diverse and often overlooked, playing a major role in our diets as many crops we eat are types of grasses.
- The introduction of non-native grass species to the Americas during the Colombian exchange drastically transformed the grasslands, highlighting the significant impact grasses can have on landscapes.
Deep dives
Grass: The Secretly Fascinating Plant
Grass, known for being green and often overlooked, is actually incredibly diverse and fascinating. Many of the crops we eat are types of grasses, and grass plants have a complex root system that allows them to survive grazing and trampling. The introduction of European grass species to the Americas during the Colombian exchange resulted in a significant shift in the grasslands, replacing native species with non-native grasses. Even the icy continent of Antarctica is home to two native grass species. The spread of grasses, particularly in golf courses and suburban lawns, has had a profound impact on the landscape. However, rising global temperatures are also causing these grasses to spread at an alarming rate. Grasses truly are an essential and often overlooked aspect of our natural world.
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