Cheatgrass planted in a black gravel plot

Cheatgrass growing in a high-density plot covered in black gravel. Black gravel warms the soil surface. The colors on the toothpicks indicate the genotype of cheatgrass planted. Researchers selected a variety of genotypes—plants of the same species that are genetically distinct—that are found locally. Planting different genotypes in the same experimental plot can help scientists understand the role genetics plays in plant growth and how different genotypes may perform as the climate warms.