What characteristic is indicative of a grass being dormant?

When grass enters a state of dormancy, it typically experiences a significant reduction in metabolic activity due to adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or drought. This reduced activity often leads to a noticeable change in color, where the grass turns brown and can appear lifeless. This brown coloration is a protective response, allowing the grass to conserve water and energy during periods when growth is not sustainable.

In contrast, when grass is actively growing, it typically exhibits vibrant green coloration (as indicated in the first option), signaling that it is photosynthesizing and thriving in favorable conditions. The remaining options also reflect active growth or changes not associated with dormancy, such as attracting pests or growing deeper roots, which are generally indicators of a healthy, growing grass rather than dormant grass. Thus, the brown appearance of dormant grass serves as a clear indicator of its dormant state.