Climate change is always a hot topic. Here's a question: Can plants, when bombarded with higher levels of CO2 than normal, increase their rate of photosynthesis long term to catch up? Many studies in the past have shown that they can, up to 30 percent. But an 11-year study at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve shows that 13 grassland plant species common in the Midwest maintained a photosynthesis rate increase of only 10 percent overall. This will impact scientists' predictions and modeling of climate change for the future.
Plants fight climate change but can’t do it all
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- Tali Lee
- Susan Barrott
- Peter Reich
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