ARTIFICIAL LIGHT ALTERS TREE LEAVES, DISRUPTING URBAN ECOSYSTEM
Scientists have discovered that high levels of artificial light at night make tree leaves tougher and less palatable to insects, potentially threatening the urban food chains and the ecosystem (tasnimnews.com). The study, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, (details) found that exposure to artificial light led to increased leaf toughness and decreased herbivory in two common tree species in Beijing, China.
Researchers observed that urban tree leaves showed little sign of insect damage, prompting them to investigate the cause. They found that artificial light, which has increased nighttime brightness by almost 10%, triggers a defense response in plants, making leaves tougher and more chemically defended.
This change in plant properties can have significant ecosystem impacts, as herbivory plays a crucial role in maintaining insect biodiversity. The study suggests that decreased herbivory could lead to trophic cascading effects, potentially contributing to the global decline of insects.
While the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood, the researchers propose that trees may extend their photosynthesis duration or allocate more resources to structural compounds, leading to increased leaf toughness.
Glytabs commends this study and hopes that with further research, the effects of urbanization on insects and ecological processes can be better understood and whether this will have implications in tropical countries. There is no doubt that as artificial light continues to shape our environment, understanding its impact on ecosystems will be crucial for maintaining our biodiversity.”
Image credit: google.com
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