Over the past 390 million years, plants have played a crucial role in shaping habitable conditions on Earth, according to a new study. Researchers in the field of biogeodynamics are working to understand how these changes have affected life on Earth in the past. A study published in Science Advances by Julian Rogger and his colleagues at ETH Zurich and the University of Leeds suggests that plants are active participants in Earth’s climate cycle. They help regulate the composition of the atmosphere by trapping carbon and releasing oxygen, as well as speeding up soil weathering processes to consume greenhouse gases.
The researchers found that plant activity can act as a buffer against slow changes in climate, preventing temperatures from fluctuating too rapidly over millions of years. However, rapid changes in climate have also led to significant alterations in vegetation and even mass extinctions. The team of geologists, computer scientists, and earth scientists studied changes in continents, climate, and vegetation over this time period to find that life, climate, and geology are interconnected through a feedback loop. This research helps shed light on the coevolution of climate, vegetation, and tectonics.
The study highlights the importance of understanding the role of plants in shaping the Earth’s environment and tackling the challenges of climate change. By studying how quickly plant characteristics can change when the world experiences sudden temperature increases, researchers aim to better predict future changes in both plants and climates.