Archive · 21 May 2025
Scientist Explains Grasslands' Importance and Conservation Challenges
Imagine the grass in your yard – it's actually super important!
Dr. Sankaran, a scientist, talked about how grasslands, like those in Africa and India, have been around for a long time and are home to many plants and animals.
They help shape our world.
Grasslands are so crucial that they affect the food we eat, like the wheat we use for bread.
However, many of these important areas are in danger, partly because they are not protected, and people don't always know how important they are.
We need to take care of these grasslands because they are home to many animals and plants, and help keep our planet healthy!
Ecologist Dr. Mahesh Sankaran discussed grasslands' evolution, diversity, and conservation.
Grasslands are the second most widespread habitat, influencing the biosphere and human evolution.
35 grass species have been domesticated as cultivated crops, affecting diets and nutrient cycles.
India's grasslands face conservation challenges, often classified as wastelands without protection.
Grasslands are ancient ecosystems, with 70% of Western Ghats grasslands lost in the last century.
- Who
- Dr. Mahesh Sankaran, professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
- What
- Lecture on the importance and conservation of grasslands.
- When
- May 4 to May 17, 2025.
- Where
- Science Gallery Bengaluru.
- Why
- To highlight the importance of grassland ecosystems and the need for their conservation.
- Speaker's Title
- Professor of Ecology and Evolution
- Speaker's Affiliation
- National Centre for Biological Sciences
- Grassland Ranking
- Second most widespread habitat
- Grass Species Worldwide
- Over 12,000
- Grassland Loss in Western Ghats
- 70%