Final answer:
Cool-season turfgrasses have better shade tolerance than warm-season varieties due to their adaptation to cooler climates with less intense sunlight, altering chlorophyll concentrations to thrive in such environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Generally speaking, cool-season turfgrasses do tend to have better shade tolerance than warm-season turfgrasses. This is due to their adaptation to cooler climates with less intense sunlight. For example, cool-season grasses thrive in temperate regions known for having pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations such as the prairies in central North America and the steppes in Eurasia. In such climates, they have adapted to grow during the spring, summer, and fall when temperatures are conducive to plant growth.
Conversely, plant species that are drought-resistant tend to prosper in warmer climates because they are developed to withstand dry conditions. Plants that grow in shaded environments often adapt by altering the relative concentrations of their chlorophyll pigments, allowing them to perform photosynthesis efficiently with lower light levels.
This contrasts with drought-resistant species that may decline in cooler temperatures where their adaptations are not as advantageous. As highlighted in the study by Gallagher et al. (2013), projected climatic changes could impact the suitability of certain grasses, emphasizing the influence of temperature on plant species distribution and success.