Grasses and Man
Abstract
The geologic Age of Mammals was, in large measure, made possible by the formation of grasslands. The almost exclusive food-supply of primitive man was the meat of the animals which lived upon grass or which preyed upon grass-eating animals. Early man was a nomad, following these animals from one grassland to another. Every known civilization had its beginning in the cultivation of one or another of the cereal grasses. At present, grasses furnish all the breadstuffs and most of the meat and sugar consumed by man. They also supply housing material for millions of people in the tropics. Grasses are adapted for growth in a greater diversity of environmental condition than are any other large plants. Probably the greatest portion of the earth's dry-land surface is covered by grasses. In general, human existence and civilization have thus far been very closely related to the natural and agricultural importance of grasses.
- Publication:
-
The Scientific Monthly
- Pub Date:
- March 1933
- Bibcode:
- 1933SciMo..36..258H