Story perspectives

Study Reveals Black Death Decreased Plant Biodiversity

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study published in Ecology Letters finds the Black Death (1347–1353) did not increase plant biodiversity in Europe.
Fossil pollen records show biodiversity declined for about 150 years after the plague.
Areas that continued farming showed increased plant diversity, indicating human activity can positively influence ecosystems.
The study challenges the notion that untouched landscapes are inherently more biodiverse and calls for balanced conservation that includes human land use.

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Story summary

A study published in Ecology Letters finds the Black Death (1347–1353) did not increase plant biodiversity in Europe.
Fossil pollen records show biodiversity declined for about 150 years after the plague.
Areas that continued farming showed increased plant diversity, indicating human activity can positively influence ecosystems.
The study challenges the notion that untouched landscapes are inherently more biodiverse and calls for balanced conservation that includes human land use.