Plants take narrow view on climate change
A study has shown some Australian plants are able to adapt to climatic changes.
Researchers at Adelaide University have analysed the narrow-leaf hopbush in the outback Flinders Ranges, where average temperatures have risen over the years.
The study found the leaves had narrowed between the 1880s and now.
Dr Greg Guerin from the university team said the results may be useful in efforts to restore cleared land.
"For example, we'd like to choose species that are the best-suited for replanting cleared areas," he said.
"We may be able to use studies like this to choose species that are probably adaptable and will actually cope better with environmental change in the future.
"We often think that climate changes is something that is happening now and that will probably have impacts on the future but actually ecosystems are already responding to the temperature increases we've had in recent decades."