Question

Which is the most common grass found in the temperate grasslands?
A. Purple needlegrass
B. Foxtail
C. Ryegrass
D. Alfalfa

Answer 1

Hint: The temperate grassland is characterized by the dominant grass vegetation, the absence of large trees and shrubs. Here, the temperature changes more from summer to winter, and the rainfall is less in temperate grassland.

Correct Answer:
Option A: Purple Needlegrass is a valuable fodder that provides food for deer, elk and other wildlife, and can be an important source of food for animals. It is found in grasslands, evergreen forests, coastal scrubs etc.
Option B: Foxtail is a grass of the Poaceae family, so named for clusters of spiky seeds, dispersed as one unit and somewhat resembling fox's bushy tail. In some species, these units are pointed and have a tip. These tips can get caught in the ears and nostrils of dogs and other animals.
Option C: Ryegrass is the world's most widely cultivated cool-seasonal grass, has many desirable agronomic properties, settles quickly, has a long growing season, has a high yield in a favorable environment, and has a high nutrient content. It grows best on fertile, well-drained soils, but can grow on soils that are too humid at certain times of the year for satisfactory growth of other grasses.
Option D: The most common grass found in the temperate grasslands is Alfalfa. It is widely grown worldwide as fodder for cattle, and is most commonly harvested as hay, but can also be made into silage, grazed, or fed as a green cut.
Hence, the correct answer is, ‘D. Alfalfa’.

Note: It must be noted that different types of grasslands house different types of grass. The open grasslands have hot summers and cold winters. Moderate rainfall is witnessed annually and the rain affects the height of grassland vegetation, with taller grasses in more humid regions.