Assessment of Life Forms and Biological Spectrum of a Grassland Community of Baripada, Odisha, India

Abstract

Aims: To assess the life forms and biological spectrum of a grassland community at Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, and compare the observed spectrum with Raunkiaer’s normal spectrum and selected grassland communities. Study Design: A field-based ecological assessment using floristic identification, herbarium preparation, and life-form classification. Place and Duration of Study: Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College, Takhatpur, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India, from July 2022 to July 2023. Methodology: Plant specimens were collected and identified using regional floras. Herbarium specimens were prepared following standard field and herbarium procedures, and the recorded species were classified according to Raunkiaer’s life-form system as modified by Dansereau and Rao. Soil characteristics and meteorological conditions during the study period were also documented to describe the environmental context of the grassland. Results: Thirty-six species were recorded, comprising 8 chamaephytes (22.22%), 11 hemicryptophytes (30.56%), 2 cryptophytes/geophytes (5.55%), and 15 therophytes (41.67%). Phanerophytes were absent. Relative to Raunkiaer’s normal spectrum, therophytes, chamaephytes, and hemicryptophytes showed higher representation, whereas cryptophytes showed slightly lower representation. Conclusion: The observed biological spectrum indicates a distinctive life-form composition at the Baripada grassland. The pattern may be associated with local species composition, soil characteristics, climatic conditions, topography, and biotic interference. The findings provide baseline information for future ecological assessment and comparative evaluation of grassland vegetation in the region.