Plant evolution expert Peter Tiffin has studied how plants hold
their own against herbivores and other enemies. Evolving with
the climate Understanding how plants evolve could suggest ways
to help them adapt to global climate change. Mary K. Hoff Feb.
2, 2007 At first glance it may seem like a charmed life. But in
reality it's not all that easy being a plant. Anchored firmly by
your roots, you can't outrun, dodge or hide from organisms that
aim to eat you. So instead you develop defenses: tough tissue,
toxins, thorns, spines. And what do your nemeses do in turn?
Develop ways to outsmart them. This evolutionary pas de deux
holds plenty of intrigue for Peter Tiffin, assistant professor
in the Department of Plant Biology. Tiffin started his
scientific career studying plants from the perspective of crop
production. But he soon found himself captivated not so much by
the organisms themselves, but by the molecular changes in their
genes that allow them to endure in and adapt to a changing
world. Among the most fasc