Articles tagged with Trees
Two small dinosaurs, Yi and Ambopteryx, had bat-like wings but struggled to fly, instead gliding between trees. Their unique wing membranes allowed them to glide, but not powered flight. The study supports that dinosaurs evolved flight in multiple ways before modern birds evolved.
A new study found that trees' participation in fungal networks in forest soil is linked to their growth, carbon storage, and ability to withstand drought. The research suggests that these networks can provide significant growth advantages to trees with more connections.
Research by the University of Göttingen found that vanilla plantations with more trees have higher predator activity, which can lead to better pest control. This study contributes to understanding the ecological function of species involved in agroforestry systems and supports the UN's ecosystem restoration goals.
A team of researchers using AI technology has counted over 1.8 billion trees and shrubs in the Sahara Desert, revealing a previously unknown factor in the global carbon budget. The study highlights the importance of trees in dryland areas for biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as their potential to improve agroforestry programs.
A study by Université de Genève analyzed 911 tree species in Geneva's urban spaces and found that most native and non-native species provide similar ecosystem services. Despite some drawbacks, the research concludes that introduced species can have a beneficial role in certain contexts.
Scientists mapped the location and size of over 1.8 billion trees using powerful supercomputers and machine learning algorithms, discovering billions of trees in arid regions. The study provides vital information for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists, including accurate counts of trees and their carbon storage potential.
A study found that trees in larger cities are healthier and more productive than those in less dense areas, with red maples being the most productive in urban environments. The research highlights the importance of planting the right tree species in cities to support ecological resilience.
A new global assessment report finds that forests and trees can alleviate poverty, but benefits are unevenly distributed among communities. Agroforestry systems, community forest management, ecotourism, and forest producer organizations show promise in reducing poverty, while protected areas can exacerbate local income inequalities.
Researchers found significant increases in floral abundance and wild bee diversity in spruce beetle-affected forests, compared to similar, undisturbed forests. This is good news for wild bee communities, which have been declining in recent years.
Researchers at University College London have used laser technology to measure the volume and biomass of giant Californian redwood trees for the first time. The technique offers new insights into carbon storage and ecosystem structure, with estimates suggesting these large trees are up to 30% heavier than previous indirect methods.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that thinning and prescribed fire can significantly reduce tree mortality and increase tree growth. The study compared two thinning methods and found both were effective in reducing tree deaths and promoting healthy forests.
A study suggests that whitebark pine's reliance on Clark's Nutcracker for seed dispersal and germination makes the partnership vulnerable to population declines. The researchers found a dramatic decline in Clark's Nutcracker within Mount Rainier National Park, where healthy whitebark pine populations have also declined.
A new study from the University of Utah reveals that mixed landscapes, comprising both trees and grass, are the most effective way to cool temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley. Lawns actually outperform trees in reducing daytime and nighttime temperatures by acting as a swamp cooler, while more open areas allow for better heat escape.
Researchers found that repeated droughts generally increase a forest's detrimental effects, making trees more vulnerable to stress. Conifers are particularly affected due to their vascular systems, which sustain more damage in initial droughts and hinder recovery.
A team of international scientists has proposed eight recommendations for the sustainable use of non-native tree species, aiming to maximize benefits while minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity. The guidelines include using native trees, being aware of invasion risks, and developing global networks for information sharing.
Researchers developed a tree-ring chronology that links Amazon precipitation patterns with those in North and South America, revealing an inverse relationship between the areas' growth and precipitation levels. The study provides valuable insights into large-scale climate extremes and the impact of El Niño phenomenon.
A new study has identified regions in the banyan fig's genome that promote the development of its aerial roots and enhance its ability to signal its wasp pollinator. The researchers also discovered a sex-determining region in a related fig tree, Ficus hispida, which produces distinct male and female trees with no aerial roots.
The study found that urbanization leads to decreased soil acidity and increased carbon concentrations, with tree trunks shrinking by 40-60% in crowded areas. The school covered five climatic zones, combining teaching and research, fieldwork and expert consultations.
A $779,000 grant from the USDA will support a four-year project to develop a comprehensive fire blight management strategy for American fruit growers. The research aims to improve application timing and efficacy of defense inducers and identify new genetic sources of fire blight resistance.
Researchers found that allowing farmers to harvest vegetation from riparian buffers minimally impacts water quality, with only slight annual average reductions in nutrient and sediment capture. The location of the buffer was most important, as buffers between fields and streams removed more pollutants than those near streams.
Native broadleaf trees planted in upland areas can absorb rainwater more efficiently, reducing peak river flow and flood risk. This nature-based solution is an effective and natural flood management tool that can be maximized with careful placement.
Researchers discovered pine needle fibers are better at shedding water than circular fibers, retaining less moisture. This evolution is advantageous as it prevents photosynthesis from being blocked by rainwater.
Scientists study tree rings to reveal how Arctic dimming kills trees and limits growth due to reduced sunlight from industrial pollution. The research found massive tree mortality associated with the Norilsk mining complex in northern Siberia.
A study of tree rings from Norilsk, Russia has shown that industrial pollution in the Arctic region has a far greater impact than previously thought. The research reveals widespread damage to the boreal forest, with declining tree growth affecting carbon sequestration and global climate.
A group of water scientists from 11 countries warns that the shift to monoculture crops and tree plantations can constrain soil-plant-water systems, leading to reduced ecological resilience. The authors emphasize the importance of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Research suggests leaving up to 75% of naturally disturbed forest areas unlogged preserves 90% of original species richness. This guideline can help promote biodiversity in affected habitats.
Researchers found that 50% of plots showed signs of tree regeneration, and water balance projections indicate enough moisture for seedlings. Proper management can prevent severe fires, creating resilient conditions in dry forest areas.
Increasing tree planting in understocked US forestland could increase carbon sequestration capacity by approximately 20%. Currently, annual tree-planting efforts result in sequestering around 16-28 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.
A new study suggests that concentrating tree planting efforts on understocked forest land, particularly in western states and the Northeast, can substantially increase carbon sequestration capacity. This targeted approach could enhance ecosystem services and offset a significant portion of the country's carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers from North Carolina State University projected that quaking aspen trees will decline in visibility along three scenic national byways in the Colorado Rockies by 2120 under climate warming scenarios. The study found consistent decreases across all three scenarios, with the greatest declines predicted at lower elevations.
The coconut rhinoceros beetle has shifted its host from coconut trees to Guam's endangered native cycad tree, Cycas microneica, due to the availability of large doses of starch in the cycad stems. This opportunistic host shift is threatening the local extinction of the region's only native gymnosperm.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that measuring magnetic particles on evergreen needles can provide a high-resolution, year-round picture of air quality. The study correlated needle magnetism to general air quality, suggesting a new method for mapping particulate matter distributions at a high resolution and low cost.
A high-resolution map of European forest canopy openings has been created, showing a 17% loss of canopy in 30 years. The size of openings varies widely by region, with Spain's largest opening being 17,000 hectares due to a single fire.
Researchers have developed a new genetic tool to classify corals, challenging over 200 years of traditional classification. The study reveals new insights into coral evolution and identification, providing crucial knowledge for conservation efforts and proposal assessment.
A global analysis of over 200 thousand tree-ring records reveals that fast-growing trees have significantly shorter lifespans than slower-growing ones. This challenges predictions of increased carbon storage in forests over the long term, suggesting that growth-lifespan trade-offs may lead to a reduced forest carbon sink.
A new study projects that post-fire recovery will be less likely in the future, with large percentages of Southern Rocky Mountains becoming unsuitable for key tree species. The team's database can help land managers better plan where to invest resources after a fire.
African baobab trees can live over a thousand years, providing food, medicine, and resources. The recent study reveals the tree's chromosome count, offering insights into conservation and agricultural applications.
A University of Cincinnati biologist collaborated with Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum to replace non-native English ivy with native ground cover on E. Lucy Braun's grave. The tribute features a mix of creeping mint, golden star, and Allegheny spurge, all native to deciduous forests in Eastern North America.
Researchers used a synchrotron to take detailed X-ray images of ponderosa pine seedlings at various hydration stages. The findings show that the tissue surrounding the xylem, not the xylem itself, dries out when seedlings lose water, revealing new insights into tree seedling growth.
A comprehensive study reveals that climate change is causing entire plant ecosystems to shift towards warmer climates, leading to the decline of cold-loving species. This process, known as thermophilization, has significant implications for wildlife habitats and ecosystems.
Researchers have assembled a comprehensive checklist of Panama's tree species, including their estimated geographic ranges, providing a quantitative basis for assessing extinction risk and guiding conservation efforts. The study found that 16.2% of Panama's tree species had ranges less than 20,000 km2, signaling endangered status.
Research reveals that forest restoration can replenish carbon storage and preserve biodiversity, with actively restored forests recovering 50% faster than naturally regenerating ones. The study found that degraded forests can recover up to 2.9 tons of aboveground carbon per hectare annually if protected from agricultural conversion.
Interplanting native tree species like rosewood and amarillo with teak in Central America's nutrient-poor soils improves soil health, increases water management, and boosts biodiversity. These findings suggest a more sustainable approach to reforestation and may protect the Panama Canal from flooding and drought.
Research integrates ecology, evolution and social sciences to highlight relationships between systemic racism and ecological heterogeneity. Neighborhood wealth and racial composition are found to be stronger predictors of urban socio-ecological patterns than wealth.
Amanda De La Torre is studying the genome of sugar pines to understand what makes some trees resistant to white pine blister rust. The research aims to find epigenomic changes that can help control external factors and produce resistant trees.
The region's forested areas grew more fragmented due to urban sprawl, but also saw an increase in tree cover, mainly attributed to maturing trees and land-conservation efforts. This paradox highlights the need for effective land-use planning techniques to protect habitats and minimize fragmentation.
A new study has provided the world's most detailed phylogenetic analysis of asterids, a group of flowering plants that include coffee, heather, and tomatoes. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn and international partners, sheds light on the evolutionary history of these species and their relationships.
A new study reveals that New England's trees are capturing more carbon from the atmosphere, driven by growing temperatures and increased precipitation. However, some forests are also becoming a source of CO2 due to invasive insects and climate-related stressors.
A new study suggests small trees can adapt better to droughts and grow into a new generation to help the rainforest survive. Researchers found that small trees increase their capacity for photosynthesis and growth despite lack of water, potentially leading to greater overall resilience in the forest.
Researchers identified key drivers of secondary growth resumption in Northern Hemisphere conifers, including photoperiod and mean annual temperature. These factors interact with spring forcing and moisture availability to regulate wood formation.
A long-term study on cycads in Guam reveals that plant size and habitat traits significantly impact their mortality rate due to invasive species. The research found that larger plants with substantial stored resources are more likely to survive, while smaller plants and those in fragmented forests are more susceptible to damage.
A recent study on ginkgoes found that they can 'escape senescence at the whole-plant level,' raising questions about the apparent lack of aging in centuries-old trees. However, plant biologist Sergi Munné-Bosch argues that these organisms still undergo physiological stress associated with senescence.
Research reveals that lightning damages approximately 832 million tropical trees each year, with a quarter of them dying from injuries. The study found that lightning strikes are more frequent in forests, savannas, and urban areas, altering ecosystem dynamics.
Scientists discovered a new species of giant pigeon in Tonga, Tongoenas burleyi, which was hunted to extinction within a century after human arrival. The bird's size and dietary habits suggest it played a crucial role in dispersing seeds for fruit-bearing trees.
Researchers found that the WA Christmas Tree, a parasitic plant, adapts to its environment by adjusting to temperature changes rather than relying on precipitation. This discovery has implications for conservation and restoration efforts, as it could inform the collection of seed for these species.
A new portable DNA detection method can identify tree pests and pathogens like the Asian gypsy moth and sudden oak death pathogen in under two hours. The device uses PCR testing to analyze tiny amounts of DNA and has been tested on multiple destructive invasive species.
A new study by University of Alberta biologists found that female mountain pine beetles use different strategies to find success, regardless of distance traveled. Those flying longer distances tend to lose weight but produce more pheromone, increasing their chances of attracting fellow beetles.
A comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the 2018 drought and heat event in European forests reveals that even drought-resistant tree species suffered long-term damage. The study suggests that future scenarios require redesigning forests to combat heat and drought, and new analytical approaches are needed to track tree mortality...
A recent study found that tree planting on heather moorland in Scotland did not increase carbon storage, but instead led to a decline in soil organic carbon stocks. The research suggests that planting trees may not be an effective strategy for mitigating climate change in certain areas.
A study by the University of Guam found that cycad stem cuttings require wound sealants to survive and propagate. The researchers discovered that petroleum jelly, lanolin paste, honeycomb wax, and even modelling clay can effectively cover wounds and retain hydration.