Final answer:
True. Warm season grasses can indeed go dormant in drought conditions to conserve water and survive, which means plant species that are drought-resistant generally thrive in warm, dry climates. Grasslands recover well from fires, and warmer temperatures extend growth seasons, potentially leading to pest issues in mild winters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question about whether warm season grasses can go dormant under drought conditions can be answered as follows: it is true that many warm season grasses have adapted to go dormant during periods of drought to conserve water and survive harsh conditions. Contrary to the statement, drought-resistant plant species would generally thrive in warm temperatures, which are often associated with drought conditions, as their adaptations allow them to conserve water more effectively than other plant species.
In relation to grasslands and their interaction with forest fires, fires are indeed a common occurrence in these ecosystems. Grasslands have adaptations that enable them to recover from fires. It is false to suggest that plant species that are drought-resistant would decline in warm temperatures. Additionally, warmer temperatures can extend the growing season of plants and therefore increase their water requirements throughout the season. Consequently, when the growing season ends, milder winters may fail to kill pests, increasing the risk of damaging infestations in later seasons.