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Flowers' Smell Not Traveling As Far

Ant writes in to note a study indicating that, because of air pollution, the smell of flowers is not wafting as far as it once did. Pollutants from power plants and automobiles destroy flowers' aromas, the study suggests: "The scent molecules produced by flowers in a less polluted environment, such as in the 1800s, could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 meters; but in today's polluted environment downwind of major cities, they may travel only 200 to 300 meters." The finding could help explain why some pollinators, particularly bees, are declining in certain parts of the world.

1 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. Good grief by 192939495969798999 · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    With the glut of environmental decline stories, I'm left to wonder if there's anything left that's NOT wrong with the environment!

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