Meet Takakia lepidozioides, an inconspicuous yet remarkable moss species that has defied the odds through multiple catastrophic climate events, including the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. This species of moss have unbelievably thrived for about 165 million years.
But now, this ancient moss faces a new challenge - climate change.
Ancient Moss Under Threat of Climate Change
A recent peer-reviewed study published in the journal Cell unveils a concerning reality for the plant.
Takakia lepidozioides, once a symbol of resilience, is struggling to adapt to the rapid pace of modern climate change.
Bloomberg reports that if global temperatures rise by 2°C by 2100, the moss's habitat could shrink by a staggering 75%, pushing it perilously close to extinction. This temperature is below the 2.7C of warming currently forecast by the Climate Action Tracker.
The Moss' Struggle to Survive
What makes Takakia's struggle all the more compelling is its exceptional ability to evolve rapidly. Hu Ruoyang, a plant biologist at Beijing's Capital Normal University and lead author of the study, notes that while evolution often occurs over thousands to millions of years, global warming began only a few hundred years ago.
This means that even highly adaptable species like Takakia are finding it difficult to keep up with the changing world around them.
Unveiling the moss's genetic secrets, Nature reports that scientists have sequenced its genome, revealing an astonishing 121 genes that have rapidly evolved to help it survive in its extreme environment.
Picture this: while on the outside, Takakia appears much like its ancient ancestors, on the inside, it is armed with a suite of genes that have allowed it to face challenges head-on.
For instance, the moss has higher amounts of lipids in its cells, acting as a shield against the harsh sun's ultraviolet rays.
However, the news is not all promising. Over the past decade, Takakia populations on the Tibetan plateau have dwindled by 1.6% annually, surpassing the decline in other local mosses.
Rising temperatures, significantly an increase of nearly 0.5°C per year between 2010 and 2021, appear to be a key factor. Yet, climate change might not be the moss's only adversary, as other factors like air quality and humidity sensitivity could play a part.
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Protecting the Moss
As the urgency to protect Takakia grows, researchers are exploring novel ways to preserve this ancient survivor. Efforts are underway to cultivate the moss in laboratories and reintroduce it to its native habitat.
In the grand picture of evolution and survival, Takakia lepidozioides stand as a living testament to endurance. From witnessing the dawn of the dinosaurs to facing the challenges of today's changing climate, this small moss offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of life's journey on Earth.
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