Plants retain a ‘genetic memory’ of past population crashes, study shows

webfull — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:32:55 +0000

Researchers at 91�� and the United States Forest Service have found that plants living in areas where human activity has caused population crashes carry long-lasting genetic traces of that history, such as reduced genetic diversity. Because genetic diversity helps species adapt to climate change, disease and other stresses, the study suggests it is vital to consider a population’s history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in conservation planning.

Published: 12 February 2026

When the bloom is off: why do some plants produce small and unattractive flowers?

webfull — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:00:54 +0000

Picture a flower: what do you see? A bright and showy splash of contrasting colours? Well, not all plants produce flowers that are only like that. Some plant species actually produce two types: “normal” ones that look great, and “runts” that are small, never open and, rather than attract pollinating insects, instead pollinate themselves.

Published: 3 February 2021

91������ News - botany

Plants retain a ‘genetic memory’ of past population crashes, study shows

When the bloom is off: why do some plants produce small and unattractive flowers?

91�� News - botany