Photo: Josh Carter | Unsplash
People are not the only ones getting ready and adapting to a changing climate. California's iconic redwoods have started growing special leaves to deal with the drought calledaxial and peripheral leaf shoots. Peripheral shoots are what most of us would identify as leaves; they are longer and perform photosynthesis. Axial shoots, though, are smaller and bunched closer to the twigs; they absorb four times more water than peripheral shoots. Research found that trees in drier locations are growing axial leaves higher on the trunk, making them better able to absorb moisture from rain or fog. In wetter climates like Oregon, where drought isn't nearly as severe as in California, redwoods are growing axial leaves lower on their trunks. We are seeing trees reaching for moisture higher up where they can get it, adapting in real-time to drought and a changing climate.
|
|
More:
