The puzzling phenomenon of trees flourishing under street lights: Unraveling the effects of artificial roadside night lighting on ecosystems

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Case Study 10/09/2024
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The puzzling phenomenon of trees flourishing under street lights: Unraveling the effects of artificial roadside night lighting on ecosystems

S. Venkataraman, Srinivasan Padmanaban, B. Rajeswari
Int. J. Biosci. 25(3), 244-247, September 2024.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2024; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of trees thriving under street lights, presenting observations from an educational institution’s campus. Trees, naturally illuminated by streetlights, exhibit robust growth without deliberate human intervention. Such adaptation challenges conventional understanding of circadian rhythms and highlights the resilience of urban ecosystems. The unexpected symbiosis between street lights and trees underscores the need for re-evaluation in urban planning strategies, emphasizing sustainable cohabitation between human infrastructure and nature. Understanding the intricate relationship between artificial lighting and plant development offers opportunities for enhancing urban greenery and mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on ecosystems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and optimize lighting strategies for urban sustainability.

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