HOW GRASS CHANGED LIFE
This tiny plant has influenced Earth’s climate and the evolution of animals
WORDS AILSA HARVEY
Between 20 and 40 per cent of planet Earth is covered in grasslands, across every continent except for Antarctica. Grass is a low-growing, flowering plant with groups of narrow leaves growing from its base. The leaves of this plant are usually anchored to the soil by strong roots and grow together in large clusters.
One of the most common sights along stretches of grass is grazing animals. This is because many large herbivores rely on extensive grasslands to survive, and grass thrives with this regular trimming. The plants gain their energy from sunlight and require healthy cells to do so. If the leaves aren’t cut, the tips die and start to rot. When they are damaged with a clean cut, however, the cells are triggered to grow quicker and produce new, healthy tissue. This is also why cutting your garden’s lawn regularly can make your grass look thicker and healthier.