Flower colors around the world are changing: scientists blame global warming
Flowers of various species around the world are slowly changing color. Scientists claim that this is due to an increase in ultraviolet radiation caused by the destruction of the ozone layer. SSPDaily learned more about these changes.
Global warming can lead to changes in the planet's flora. Recent studies have shown that the shades of some flowers have already changed, according to an article published in the journal Current Biology.
For the study, scientists analyzed herbaria preserved since 1941. The researchers examined 1238 flowers of 42 species growing in North America, Europe, and Australia. Their petals were photographed in UV light to track the amount of pigments that absorb radiation.
According to the results, the amount of pigments has changed, resulting in a change in color. However, this is not the only consequence of warming.
The increase in ultraviolet radiation has also intensified the UV pigmentation of flowers and led to a deterioration in pollen quality.
