Grasslands are naturally occurring plains found in almost every eco-region on earth except in Antarctica. The plants that grow there are mainly grass and non-woody plants.

There are many thousands of types of grasses, and they grow right up in the mountains to the edge of the seashore. Grass is healthy and sturdy plants that can survive even the toughest of climates.

Grasses have a complicated and solid root system that spreads deep especially during the drought season to ensure that the plant has enough water. These roots play a vital role when the almost annual fires destroy acres of grassland. The fires destroy the plant, but not the root system, allowing the plants to re-sprout after a fire.

Another important adaptation of grasses is that some of its varieties require intense fires to begin the germination process. Therefore, while some grass plants receive a new lease of life, others just begin their journey.

Grasses are not like normal plants that grow from the top; instead, they grow from the base, and have stems creeping above the ground (stolons) and below the ground (rhizome). Shoots grow out of these stems (both varieties) and produce leaves, as these stems spread out.

The shape of the grass leaf is a great adaptation to the dry weather. Its leaves are long and narrow, which means it loses less water (retains more water) than bigger leafed plants.

Grass is also a very strong plant, which is often eaten or trampled on by animals. However, the blades of grass can quickly sprout from their bases without any damage to the plant.

Most grass varieties have silica (what sand is made out of) and this is what adds to its strength, and which make it harder to digest when eaten by animals.

These plants survive their conditions through an extensive pollination system that is encouraged by animals as well as the wind.