This plant family contains what we call the true grasses and includes wheat, barley, oats, rice, millet, bamboo, and corn. One of the largest plant families, it contains over 10,000 species. Grasses can be perennial or annual and can be categorized as preferring either cool or warm growing seasons. The domestication and breeding of these species were pivotal for the foundation and spread of human civilization. Species grown now provide food, shelter, fuel, paper, and beer.
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