Which of the following adaptations allows grasses to withstand grazing pressure?

The adaptation that allows grasses to withstand grazing pressure is the intercalary meristem. This specialized region of growth is located at the base of the leaves and internodes, allowing grasses to continue growing even after being grazed. When herbivores feed on the grass, they often remove the upper portions of the plant, including leaves. However, due to the presence of the intercalary meristem, grasses can rapidly produce new leaves and continue to thrive despite being grazed.

This adaptation is particularly beneficial in environments where grazing is common, as it allows grasses to recover quickly and maintain their presence in the ecosystem. The rapid growth from the intercalary meristem ensures that grasses can compete effectively for sunlight and resources, enabling them to withstand continuous grazing pressure.

In contrast, deep root systems and rapid leaf growth do contribute to a plant's overall health and resilience but are not as directly responsible for the immediate recovery from grazing as the intercalary meristem is. Thick bark, while a useful adaptation for trees and shrubs in protecting against environmental stressors, does not apply to grasses, as they do not develop bark in the same way. This highlights the unique adaptations that different plant types have evolved to survive specific challenges in their environments.