Which term denotes the base structure of a perennial grass that remains after above-ground growth dies back?

Which term denotes the base structure of a perennial grass that remains after above-ground growth dies back?

• A. Crown
• B. Decline
• C. Degree Day
• D. Excrement

Answer: (A)

In perennial grasses, the part that survives after the above-ground growth dies back is the crown. The crown sits at or just below the soil surface and contains meristematic tissue and stored carbohydrates. This base is the source of new shoots and roots each growing season, so it persists through dormancy and recovery after mowing, drought, or cold. If the crown is damaged or eroded, regrowth is hindered because the living tissue that produces new growth is gone. The other terms don’t describe a plant structure: decline refers to reduced vigor, degree day is a heat-unit metric used to time development, and excrement is unrelated waste.

In perennial grasses, the part that survives after the above-ground growth dies back is the crown. The crown sits at or just below the soil surface and contains meristematic tissue and stored carbohydrates. This base is the source of new shoots and roots each growing season, so it persists through dormancy and recovery after mowing, drought, or cold. If the crown is damaged or eroded, regrowth is hindered because the living tissue that produces new growth is gone. The other terms don’t describe a plant structure: decline refers to reduced vigor, degree day is a heat-unit metric used to time development, and excrement is unrelated waste.