Which of the following best describes compensatory growth in grasses post-grazing?

Prepare for your ASU BIO320 Fundamentals of Ecology Exam 3. Study efficiently with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations on each topic. Ace your exam with confidence!

Compensatory growth in grasses following grazing refers to the phenomenon where plants experience a surge in growth after being grazed. This increased growth can result in the grasses producing more biomass than they would have under normal circumstances without grazing. This response is a survival adaptation that allows grasses to quickly recover and take advantage of available resources, such as sunlight and nutrients, which might be more accessible after the removal of top growth by herbivores.

In this context, the correct choice highlights that after grazing, grasses may not only recover but can exceed their previous growth rates, responding robustly to the lighter competition from neighboring plants and the potential for increased resource allocation towards growth. This compensatory mechanism can promote resilience in grasslands as part of the ecological dynamics of herbivory.

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