The Washington State Climate Office reported that last December was the warmest on record for Washington. The state has experienced a mild winter so far, and many garden plants are already showing small buds in February.
Takato Imaizumi, a professor of biology at the University of Washington, studies the genes plants use to monitor seasonal change. His work focuses on internal genetic mechanisms that help plants detect environmental signals and time life-cycle events such as flowering.
Imaizumi has spoken about how plants know when to bloom and about whether warmer winters might alter that timing. The available information notes his role and the topic he addresses, but it does not provide detailed explanations of genetic processes or firm predictions.
Difficult words
- gene — unit of heredity in living organismsgenes
- monitor — watch something over time to check changes
- seasonal — related to different times of the year
- mechanism — a system that produces a certain resultmechanisms
- detect — to discover or notice something
- flowering — the process when plants produce flowers
- timing — the choice or control of when something happens
- alter — to change something a little or a lot
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you noticed winters becoming milder where you live? Give a short example.
- How might earlier flowering affect gardeners or farmers in your area?
- What additional information would help scientists make firm predictions about plant responses to warmer winters?
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