Grass

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/grass

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary family?Poaceae, encompassing true grasses, with significant related families Cyperaceae and Juncaceae
2. What is grass and why is it so common?Grass is a type of plant that covers about half of the Earth's land. It grows in many places, from gardens to huge farms. It is very good at spreading and growing quickly.
3. How do grasses grow so fast and spread everywhere?Grasses have special roots called rhizomes and stolons that let them spread underground and on the surface. Their leaves are built to resist being eaten and to grow back fast. They also use wind to spread their pollen over wide areas.

Poaceae: The botanical family name for true grasses, characterized by specific floral structures and growth habits.
Arable Land: Land capable of being plowed and used to grow crops; a significant portion is dedicated to grass cultivation.
Cenozoic Era: The geological period from about 66 million years ago to the present, during which grasses diversified significantly.