GRASSLAND EVOLUTION IN EUROPE

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Abstract
Summary: This discussion deals primarily with the European secondary grassland, especially meadows and pastures. The principal constituents of this vegetation are about 20 species. Particular attention is paid to its evolution under the influence of man. In addition to the natives (members of natural vegetation cover) there are several species or races which are restricted to man‐made habitats. It is suggested that these latter are not native to the area of present distribution, but have immigrated under differentiation from abroad (the minor part) or evolved in situ (the major part). The significance of hybridization and introgression is stressed. It is contended that grassland evolution is still in progress, an important factor being the close interaction between cultivated grasses and their wild relatives in extra‐Mediterranean Europe, the center of diversity and origin of meadow and pasture grasses.