Evolutionary responses of plants to anthropogenic pollutants

There is currently great concern over the possible adverse effects of atmospheric de position and other regionally distributed pollutants on plants and plant communitics. In Europe and North America there are major research efforts to determine whether such pollutants damage plants or affect ecosystem processes. A topic of growing concern is the possibility of genetic or evolutionary effects of pollutants. Past research has demonstrated that individuals, populations and varieties of a particular species can differ in their response to pollutants. Although such differences have been documented, the importance of evolutionary responses to regional, low level but chronic pollution remains to be established. The significance of regional chronic pollution is that effects on plants may no longer be limited to heavily industrialized or populated areas, but rather may also occur in virtually all natural ecosystems.