Grassland ecosystems are terrestrial biomes dominated by herbaceous vegetation, primarily grasses (Poaceae), with sparse tree or shrub cover, shaped by climate, fire regimes, soil properties, and large herbivore grazing. They exhibit high belowground biomass and root turnover, playing a major role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and water regulation. Structurally, grasslands are characterized by open canopies, seasonal productivity pulses, and strong coupling between disturbance and primary production. They support specialized plant–herbivore–microbe interactions, including mycorrhizal associations and grazing-adapted floras, and are central to research on biodiversity maintenance, trophic dynamics, land-use change, and climate–vegetation feedbacks across temperate, tropical, and arid regions.
An alpine ash forest is a sight to behold. Alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) is a tall eucalypt species that grows in the cool, wet mountains of southeastern Australia.
Plants & Animals
10 hours ago
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The effects of individual climate factors on ecosystems are usually considered in isolation. However, in reality, they occur simultaneously and influence each other. Increasing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere contribute ...
Ecology
11 hours ago
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The number of plant species in many ecosystems in Europe has grown rather than shrunk over the last 100 years. However, this is not necessarily cause for celebration, as this local increase is primarily due to generalists ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 29, 2026
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How many insects and spiders live in 1 square meter (11 square feet) of meadow? What impact do humans have on this biodiversity in mowed meadows, lawns and roadside verges? A new online tool answers these questions: the Insect ...
Ecology
Jun 29, 2026
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Grasslands account for roughly 40% of terrestrial ecosystems and are paramount to global food security. Wild grasslands provide food for livestock and habitat for pollinators and act as a carbon sink in the era of climate ...
Ecology
Jun 29, 2026
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Plants that become invasive may owe their success to an advantage shaped long before they arrive, according to new research led by King's College London.
Plants & Animals
Jun 28, 2026
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Old oak trees and semi-natural grasslands are very important for a large number of species that risk disappearing as habitats decline. In a new study, researchers at Linköping University in Sweden present their findings on ...
Ecology
Jun 25, 2026
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Nitrogen is essential for all living organisms, but in many ecosystems it is in short supply. Plants and soil microbes both rely on nitrogen to grow, leading to intense competition below ground. Researchers at The University ...
Ecology
Jun 23, 2026
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Many young adults are familiar with common species such as dandelions or sparrows. In contrast, plants and birds typical of fields, meadows and other agricultural habitats are significantly less well known. This is shown ...
Ecology
Jun 19, 2026
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The U.K. could face significant challenges if it follows the European Union's lead and introduces tougher restrictions on imports linked to deforestation, according to new research from The University of Manchester. The study ...
Ecology
Jun 19, 2026
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