Читать книгу Prairie - Candace Savage - Страница 34

Although grasses are the most important plants on the prairies in terms of sheer volume, wild flowers (or forbs) also make a vital contribution. With a species list that numbers into the thousands, forbs add diversity to the wall-to-wall carpet of grass, thereby enriching the entire ecosystem. The more plant species are present, the more animals are able to find what they need, whether it be nest sites, daytime shelters, or feeding opportunities. This grasshopper nymph, for example, is taking advantage of the nutritious petals of a prairie sunflower.