Adaptation to elevated CO2

One of the direct consequences of industrial activity is an increase in the CO₂ concentration of the air. This affects plant growth and may have important ecological consequences. We have investigated how phytoplankton populations evolve in response to elevated CO₂ levels in the atmosphere.

Related Publications

• Collins, S., Sultemeyer, D. & Bell, G. 2006. Rewinding the tape: selection of algae adapted to high CO₂ at current and Pleistocene levels of CO₂. Evolution 60: 1392-1401.

• Collins, S., Sultemeyer, D. & Bell, G. 2006. Changes in C uptake in populations of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii selected at high CO₂. Plant, Cell and Environment 29:1812-1819.

• Collins, S. & Bell, G. 2006. Evolution of natural algal populations at elevated CO₂. Ecology Letters 9: 129-135.

• Collins S. & Bell G. 2004. Phenotypic consequences of 1000 generations of selection at elevated CO₂ in a green alga. Nature 431:566-569. NSERC DG.

Sampling soil algae at a natural CO₂ spring in Italy