Which attribute contributes to grazing tolerance in certain grass species?

Intercalary meristem growth plays a significant role in grazing tolerance for certain grass species. These specialized growth regions allow grasses to continue growing even after being grazed or cut. The intercalary meristem is located at the base of leaves and nodes, enabling the grass to rapidly produce new leaves and stems, which is crucial for recovery after grazing. This resilience helps grasses maintain their photosynthetic capacity and overall vitality, allowing them to thrive in environments where they might be subjected to regular grazing.

Other attributes like deep root systems, while beneficial for nutrient and water uptake, do not directly contribute to the immediate recovery following grazing. Dense foliage can provide a protective advantage but is not as directly linked to regrowth after being grazed as intercalary meristems. Aromatic compounds, though they may serve various ecological roles, do not enhance the grass's ability to tolerate grazing in the same way that intercalary meristem growth does, which specifically enables continued growth following damage.