Why plants are green, how trees "die," and what really changes in the plant world under the influence of climate – this was explained by a research associate of the National Scientific Natural History Museum of the NAS of Ukraine, candidate of biological sciences Oleksiy Kovalenko in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
The conversation covers both basic mechanisms – in particular the nature of the green color of plants and their aging processes – as well as broader phenomena: the evolution of the plant world, the spread of invasive species, and the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
In particular, the modern flora of Ukraine was formed after the last glacial period but remains extremely diverse today – comprising over 5,500 species of flowering plants.
Special attention in the interview is given to climate change: ecosystems related to the water regime are vulnerable, especially alder and willow forests, where even minor changes can lead to large-scale ecological consequences.
The scientist also debunks common myths – including the dangers of GMOs or the "exceptional benefits" of so-called superfoods, emphasizing the need for critical thinking when perceiving popular information.
More details – in the RBC-Ukraine article.