Final answer:
Forage grass species have important characteristics such as species richness, deciduousness, successional stage, and biotic interactions. These characteristics impact their suitability as a food source for livestock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forage grass species have several important characteristics that make them suitable for feeding livestock. One important characteristic is species richness, which refers to the number of different grass species present in a particular area. A higher species richness can provide a more diverse range of nutrients for livestock.
Another characteristic is deciduousness, which refers to whether the grass species lose their leaves seasonally or not. Some forage grass species are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves during certain seasons.
The successional stage of a forage grass species is also important. This refers to whether the grass species is early or late in its life cycle. Early successional grasses tend to grow quickly and dominate in disturbed areas, while late successional grasses are slower growing and can establish in more stable habitats.
Lastly, biotic interactions such as mutualism and competition play a role in the characteristics of forage grass species. For example, some grass species form mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which help them absorb nutrients from the soil. Competition with other plants can also affect the growth and survival of forage grasses.