Overview
Research conducted by the University of California, Davis, indicates that coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) exhibit altered physiological responses to elevated temperatures. Specifically, these iconic California trees reduce their 'breathing' and 'eating' rates when temperatures reach or surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). This observation suggests a potential impact of rising average yearly temperatures and heat waves on the trees' fundamental biological processes.
Research Context
Coast redwoods are typically found in cool, coastal regions where the average temperature is approximately 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). The ongoing shifts in climatic conditions, including increasing average yearly temperatures and more frequent heat waves, represent deviations from these historical environmental norms. Understanding how these long-lived tree species respond to such thermal shifts is critical for assessing their ecological resilience.
Findings
The study from the University of California, Davis, observed a specific physiological adjustment in coast redwoods during periods of high temperature. When air temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), the trees were noted to slow down the processes described as their 'breathing' and 'eating.' These terms refer to the metabolic and photosynthetic activities essential for the trees' sustenance and growth. The research indicates that these fundamental nourishing processes are inhibited under conditions of extreme heat.