Which of the following is an example of a C4 grass?

Which of the following is an example of a C4 grass?

• A. Texas wintergrass
• B. Little bluestem
• C. Buffalo grass
• D. Bristly foxtail

Answer: (C)

Buffalo grass is an excellent example of a C4 grass due to its unique physiological adaptations that allow for efficient photosynthesis in warm, dry environments. C4 plants are characterized by their ability to fix carbon dioxide into a four-carbon compound, which is particularly advantageous in conditions of high light intensity and temperatures. This adaptation helps reduce water loss and increases the efficiency of water use, making buffalo grass well-suited to the grasslands of North America where it is commonly found. In contrast, the other options listed represent different types of grasses that primarily utilize the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which is more common in cooler, wetter climates. This distinction is important since it highlights the ecological and environmental preferences of various grass species.

Buffalo grass is an excellent example of a C4 grass due to its unique physiological adaptations that allow for efficient photosynthesis in warm, dry environments. C4 plants are characterized by their ability to fix carbon dioxide into a four-carbon compound, which is particularly advantageous in conditions of high light intensity and temperatures. This adaptation helps reduce water loss and increases the efficiency of water use, making buffalo grass well-suited to the grasslands of North America where it is commonly found.

In contrast, the other options listed represent different types of grasses that primarily utilize the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which is more common in cooler, wetter climates. This distinction is important since it highlights the ecological and environmental preferences of various grass species.