Though ozone depletion has improved markedly thanks to regulations placed on these chemicals, it doesn’t mean that life has not had to adapt. Prior to the 1980’s humans were pumping massive quantities of ozone-depleting chemicals such as halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere, creating a massive hole in the ozone layer. Growing up I heard a lot about the hole in the ozone layer. By studying these pigments, scientists are finding that many different plants are changing their floral displays in response to changes in their environment. They can also protect sensitive reproductive organs from UV radiation. UV absorbing pigments do more than attract pollinators. Many plants paint their blooms in special pigments that absorb ultraviolet light, revealing intriguing patterns to pollinators like bees and even some birds that can see well into the UV part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Some of these we can see and others we cannot.
Flowers paint the world in a dazzling array of colors.
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