What are facts about grass?

1. Evolution: Grasses are among the oldest plants on Earth, dating back over 60 million years. They played a crucial role in the evolution of ecosystems, providing food and habitat for various animals.

2. Diversity: Grasses constitute the most extensive group of plants on Earth, covering approximately 70% of the Earth's land surface. There are about 10,000 known grass species, belonging to over 700 genera.

3. Structure: Grass plants have a unique growth form called a "tussle," formed by a dense cluster of stems known as tillers. Each stem consists of nodes and internodes, with leaves growing from the nodes.

4. Leaf Anatomy: Grass leaves exhibit a parallel vein pattern, running longitudinally along the leaf. They have specialized structures called stomata, which are tiny pores that regulate gas exchange and water loss through transpiration.

5. Roots: Grass plants typically have fibrous root systems, characterized by a network of fine, branching roots. This extensive root system helps in soil stabilization and nutrient absorption.

6. Inflorescence: Grasses produce distinctive flowering structures called inflorescences. These inflorescences can take various forms, such as spikes, panicles, and racemes. The small, inconspicuous flowers are usually arranged in clusters.

7. Pollination: Most grasses rely on wind pollination. The wind carries pollen from the male anthers to the female stigmas, enabling fertilization. Some grass species, however, are self-pollinating.

8. Seed Dispersal: Grass seeds can be dispersed by various means, including wind, water, and animals. Some grasses have specialized structures, such as awns or hooks, that aid in seed dispersal.

9. Growth Habit: Grasses can be classified as annuals, biennials, or perennials. Annual grasses complete their life cycle within one growing season, biennials over two seasons, and perennials live for more than two years.

10. Economic Importance: Grasses have immense economic significance. They form the basis of grasslands and provide grazing for livestock, supporting the meat and dairy industries. Many grass species are also cultivated as cereal crops, including wheat, rice, maize (corn), oats, and barley. These grains serve as staple foods for billions of people worldwide.

11. Environmental Significance: Grasslands play a vital role in ecosystem services. They help in soil conservation, prevent erosion, and contribute to carbon sequestration, mitigating the effects of climate change. They also provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species.