The pansies of the past self-fertilized less and attracted far more pollinators than those of the present, according to the study.
The changes could constrain the plants’ ability to adapt to future environmental changes and have implications for “all of floral biodiversity” — potentially diminishing flowering plants’ genetic, species and ecosystem variation.
“This may increase the pollinator decline and cause a vicious feedback cycle,” study coauthor Pierre-Olivier Cheptou told CNN.
Meanwhile, the “resurrected” flowers’ surfaces were 10% bigger, produced 20% more nectar and were frequented by more bumblebees than their modern counterparts.
“(The study) is a really important demonstration of the tight linkages between plant and pollinator communities,” LeBuhn said.
Persons:
Samson Acoca, ”, Pierre, Olivier Cheptou, Viola arvensis, Pidolle, ” isn’t, Gretchen LeBuhn, LeBuhn, ” LeBuhn, don’t, “, Ayurella, Muller
Organizations:
CNN, University of Montpellier, French National Centre for Scientific Research, San Francisco State University, Climate Central
Locations:
France, Paris, heterozygosity, Axios, ”