Studying the impacts of global warming, scientists have discovered a unique method to predict future plant behaviour. By analysing plant fossils and their growth rings, they can determine how plants reacted to climate changes in the past. This method, termed ‘palaeophysiology’, allows for a deeper understanding of plant responses to environmental changes.
It was found that plants have a ‘memory’ of past climates, stored in their growth rings. This memory can help predict how they might respond to future climate changes. The study also revealed that plants can adapt to changes in CO2 levels, with some species developing thicker leaves to absorb more CO2.
The findings suggest that plants may have a greater capacity to adapt to climate change than previously thought. The study also has implications for climate modelling, as it provides a new way to predict how vegetation will respond to global warming. This could help scientists refine their predictions about the future impacts of climate change.
However, the study also warns that the rate of current climate change is unprecedented, and it remains uncertain whether plants can adapt quickly enough to keep up. This highlights the urgent need for efforts to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.
Go to source article: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2005737118