Advances in Cerrado and tropical grassland plant biology – diversity, functioning, resilience and conservation

Abstract Background Tropical grasslands and savannas are ancient, highly diverse ecosystems that support important ecological processes, ecosystem services and human livelihoods, yet they are increasingly threatened by agricultural expansion, altered fire regimes, invasive species and climate change. The Cerrado, the largest savanna-dominated region in the Neotropics, exemplifies both the exceptional biological diversity and vulnerability of tropical open ecosystems. Despite major advances in plant ecology and evolution, important gaps remain in understanding how plants and plant communities respond to environmental change and disturbance. Scope We review recent advances in plant biology in the Cerrado and other tropical grasslands, covering their evolution, vegetation patterns, plant–animal interactions, functional ecology, responses to fire and environmental change, and restoration and conservation. We consider processes from plant traits and physiological responses to community and ecosystem dynamics, examining how environmental and biotic factors shape the diversity, functioning and resilience of tropical grassy ecosystems. Conclusions Recent advances reinforce the value of tropical grasslands as model systems for advancing fundamental plant science while providing knowledge relevant to their conservation and restoration. Future research should better integrate -omics, functional and evolutionary approaches with long-term monitoring, remote sensing and predictive modelling to understand plant responses to climate change, land-use intensification and changing disturbance regimes. Plant research can also contribute to ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management and climate adaptation. Greater recognition of native plant diversity as a resource for sustainable bioeconomies and local livelihoods can further connect biodiversity conservation with societal needs.