Herbaria reveal plants' responses to global change over centuries.
Herbaria, collections of dried plant specimens, are valuable tools for studying how plants have responded to global environmental changes over the past centuries. By analyzing these specimens, scientists can track the effects of pollution, habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species on plant populations. The large size of herbaria, along with advances in digitization and DNA sequencing, make them essential resources for understanding how plants have adapted to changing conditions. These collections provide a unique window into the past, offering insights into the long-term impacts of global change on plant species.