Articles tagged with Trees
Researchers at the University of Helsinki confirm existence of the Taita mountain dwarf galago, a tiny nocturnal prosimian weighing 100-180 grams. The species is found in relatively cool montane forests and communicates using distinctive calls.
New research found that high-elevation forests in Colorado's southern Rocky Mountains have a good chance of recovery after overlapping bark beetle outbreaks. However, foraging elk and deer are slowing the process by browsing smaller trees and stunting their growth.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees can double the amount of carbon stored in a forest's first 30 years of regrowth. Forests with these trees also take up 10% more carbon at maturity. Planting fixers as part of reforestation efforts could boost forest development and carbon accumulation.
Research reveals that climate warming reduces year-to-year variability in beech tree seed production, favoring seed predators like moths. This shift results in fewer surviving seeds and reduced fitness for the trees themselves.
A new study uses novel methods to analyze tree rings, radiocarbon dating and genetic analysis to uncover past human influences on tropical forests. The research promotes conservation priorities by acknowledging the role of tropical trees in cultural and natural ecosystems.
Research finds that Amazon trees contain detailed records of human activities, including native culture and colonial occupation. The study reveals how trees respond to human activity and can live for hundreds of years, registering impacts on the surrounding ecosystem.
A new study found that protecting large animals and plants can reduce wild animal biomass by 44% and soil fertility by 92%, highlighting their fundamental role in ecosystem integrity. Larger organisms transport nutrients, promoting productivity and ecological services.
A new species of thalattosaur, Gunakadeit joseeae, has been discovered in Southeast Alaska, providing insights into the marine reptile's family tree. The fossil, which is the most complete thalattosaur ever found in North America, dates back over 200 million years.
A recent study has trained dogs to detect citrus crops infected by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) via smell. The canines achieved detection rates of over 99% accuracy, outperforming conventional methods in simulating disease control scenarios.
Research project in Ebrach Forest investigates optimal dead wood placement to promote biodiversity, with sun-exposed trunks showing rare species but also numerous shaded species. The study was funded by €500,000 and will run until 2023.
Forest fragmentation negatively impacts seed dispersal, leading to reduced biodiversity and ecosystem imbalance. Climate change amplifies this effect, threatening tree species that rely on animal-mediated seed dispersal.
Researchers found that trees can adjust their stem radial growth in response to added weight, but this response varies along the stem. The study used a birch mutant that lacks this ability, revealing a key genetic locus involved in the mechanism.
A new study by USGS and Dickinson College researchers provides valuable information on optimizing search methods and locations for detecting invasive brown treesnakes at low densities. The study revealed that snake behavior is the primary cause of low detection rates, allowing teams to target areas more precisely during survey efforts.
Research from Stanford University found that climate change could cause the loss of over a quarter of ectomycorrhizal fungal species in North American pine forests. The study projected how climate change might affect fungal diversity, with some regions experiencing significant decreases and others gains.
A new study found that river flow is reduced by an average of 25% within five years and 40% by 25 years after planting trees, with some rivers disappearing completely in a decade. The type of land where trees are planted determines the impact on local water availability.
The U.N. and international organizations have set ambitious forest restoration targets, but data shows that many countries in the global South are struggling to meet their commitments. Local communities' involvement is crucial for success, but current efforts often lack this essential element.
Old Ginkgo biloba trees display similar gene expression for flavonoids and other resistance genes in young and old trees. Increasing age is not accompanied by a significant decrease in leaf area or growth rate, suggesting that these trees may stay healthy due to robust stress defenses.
A new study found that fire impacts water levels for up to 40 years after a wildfire, with increased flooding and elevated stream flow in subsequent summers. Salvage logging and re-seeding forest areas can help reduce these effects and restore normal water levels.
A team of scientists has discovered the oldest known fossilized slime mold, dating back 100 million years. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of myxomycetes, revealing key adaptations that allowed them to thrive in ancient environments.
Researchers explore drone technology to improve fruit tree management, enhancing crop yields and sustainability. Drones equipped with sensors provide high-resolution images and spectral data to monitor tree health, water and nutrient status, and estimate biomass production.
Researchers used tree-ring dating to determine when trees were cut down for construction and what the forests were like before European immigration. They found evidence of forest regrowth after Native American population decreases, shedding light on a previously poorly understood period in history.
Researchers genetically modified poplar trees to reduce negative impacts on air quality, finding they can grow as well as non-modified trees. The study suggests that these modifications may help improve biomass productivity and plant health without impairing growth.
A new study found that diverse natural forests with multiple tree species are more reliable and stable at absorbing and storing carbon than plantations dominated by just a few tree species. Natural forests showed higher stability of carbon capture across years, particularly in dry conditions.
A study led by Scott Mackay finds that pines and junipers access water sources through their deep roots during prolonged dry spells. The research suggests that growing new roots takes too long to tap into deeper resources, helping conifers survive droughts.
Scientists have uncovered fossils of trees from the world's oldest forest, dating back 386 million years, in a sandstone quarry in Cairo, New York. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of trees and their role in shaping the world we live in today.
Researchers have discovered fossils in the Catskill region that suggest the transition to modern forests began earlier than believed, with primitive trees showing extensive root systems dating back 386 million years. The findings point to a complex evolution of forest ecosystems during the Devonian Period.
A team of scientists at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a method to model the synchronization behaviors of different tree species using control parameters. They found that two populations of Zelkova serrata trees 20 kilometers apart were completely synchronized in a '3-year cycle', demonstrating the Period...
Researchers found evidence of three unique root systems, including a palm tree-like tree and a tree called Archaeopteris, which shares characteristics with modern seed plants. This discovery suggests that the transition toward modern forests began earlier than previously thought, around 385 million years ago.
Researchers have discovered that koalas move like marsupials on the ground but employ primate-like strategies when climbing through trees. Koalas exhibit a similar gait pattern to primates, with diagonally opposed hand and foot in contact with branches for stability.
Logging in tropical forests depletes vital nutrients, hindering recovery and limiting growth, as found in a new study published in Global Change Biology. The researchers discovered that multiple cycles of logging and regrowth irreversibly remove phosphorus from the forest system.
Researchers have discovered that evergreen tree species, such as holly and ivy, are more water-efficient under rising CO2 concentrations, potentially giving them a competitive edge over deciduous trees. This advantage is expected to be particularly pronounced in cooler climates like Ireland.
Researchers identified hotspots for wild honeybee nesting sites, including unmanaged forests and coniferous forests in Sweden and Finland. The study suggests that conserving trees with cavities should be included in forest management to support pollinator populations.
Researchers at UConn's Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department shed new light on the evolution of the treehopper's distinctive helmet. By analyzing RNA sequences, they found that the gene expression lines up with wings rather than the dorsal body wall, suggesting a unique developmental pathway.
Researchers accidentally isolate a new species of Phytophthora infecting Fraser fir Christmas trees, highlighting potential biodiversity among the genus. The discovery emphasizes the importance of identifying and understanding plant disease species to protect natural environments and agricultural industries.
A University of Arizona-led team used air-based maps of plant chemistry to better understand tropical forest responses to climate change. By combining traditional on-the-ground measurements with aerial data, researchers improved carbon cycling models and gained insights into the role of forests in the global carbon cycle.
Researchers at Yale University unveil a new approach to reconstructing the evolutionary tree of life for mammals, revealing why some branches are weighed down with thousands of species while others hold just a few. The study provides comprehensive information about species diversity and relationships, past and present.
A five-year study by Oregon State University found that deer and elk can play a key role in controlling broadleaf vegetation that competes with Douglas-fir seedlings. In some cases, the presence of large herbivores promotes crop tree survival and growth.
Researchers at Cornell University found a negative relationship between the temperature during tree swallows' development and their hormonal response to stressors as adults. This phenomenon could help explain how changing environments are impacting many different species.
Researchers used peat core analysis to reconstruct the development of a calcareous spring fen on Saaremaa, Estonia. The study found that the high diversity of vegetation in spring fens is a result of long-term stable environments, providing insights into conservation efforts.
A study simulates forest responses to projected climate changes using a model of plant physiology. Acclimation allows trees to adjust leaf area, photosynthetic capacity, and stand density to avoid stress, but its effectiveness varies with warming levels.
The study reveals that the winner of the climate tug of war between CO2 fertilization and heat stress depends on the ratio between the two. If forests can acclimate, they can tolerate a lower ratio, but if not, it's above 89 parts per million CO2 per degree C of warming. Other factors like forest fires, insect infestation, and exceptio...
A new study by EPFL and WSL found that oil palm crops planted on former pastures in Colombia have an unchanged total carbon storage over time. The research suggests a carbon-friendly alternative to deforestation, using large areas of abandoned pastures that could be converted favorably.
A new study highlights the importance of building roosts for little brown bats' survival during maternity season. Researchers found that 84% of reproductive females roost in attics, while males prefer rock crevices or trees.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have identified genes associated with ash dieback resistance in UK trees. The study found that resistance is controlled by multiple genes, opening up new avenues for conservation and potentially breeding more resistant trees.
A national REDD+ program in Guyana reduced tree cover loss by 35%, equivalent to 12.8 million tons of avoided carbon emissions. However, tree cover loss increased significantly after carbon payments ended, highlighting the importance of continuous forest protection measures.
Researchers found that northern tree species, including pine, birch, and spruce, release nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. The emissions vary by season, with peaks in summer, and are linked to physiological activity. The study suggests trees play a significant role in the global N2O balance.
A new study by Ohio State University and Yale University estimates that deforestation contributes only 7% of manmade net carbon emissions, down from previous estimates of 27%. The research also highlights the importance of forest management in reducing carbon emissions.
A study found that Hurricane Maria's damage to Puerto Rican coffee farms was not linked to the amount of shade on the farm. However, farmers' socioeconomic context and ability to fertilize their plants were key factors in determining resilience. Weeds played a significant role in the recovery process.
IKBFU researchers have found that alder bark extracts contain high levels of polyphenols and antiradical activity, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and disease prevention. The study also reveals the presence of oregonin, a diarylheptanoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory and antimycotic properties.
Scientists warn that large-scale afforestation in African savannas will destroy valuable ecological, agricultural, and tourist areas. The plan, aimed at mitigating climate change, is considered irresponsible due to its potential to increase wildfire intensity and exacerbate global warming.
Research team finds wood chips from ancient trees dating back 19 million years in ocean core samples, revealing a previously unrecognized way carbon remains locked away for millions of years. The discovery suggests that the amount of carbon exported and buried by modern rivers may be 50% greater than previously thought.
A new project aims to use Inga trees to keep land fertile for the long term, reducing pressure on smallholders to abandon their land. The plan could help maintain tree cover in the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation by supporting sustainable agriculture and providing a premium income for milk produced from grazing cattle.
A large group of ecologists contests an article proposing 'reforestation' of the Cerrado, Brazil's most biodiverse tropical savanna. The critics argue that the plan is based on flawed calculations and could worsen climate change by reducing surface albedo and intensifying global warming.
A team developed a way to understand how nonnative insects might behave in their new environments, using evolutionary history. The model can quickly evaluate the risk of insect invasions and help foresters predict which species will be problematic.
Researchers at OIST have constructed a new termite family tree using comprehensive RNA sequence analysis, placing a previously difficult-to-place subfamily within the Termitidae. The study reveals that comb building emerged in their common ancestor several million years after the loss of gut symbionts.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that warmer springs cause blue tits to begin breeding earlier, with chicks hatching after peak caterpillar numbers. This suggests that night-time temperatures and tree leafing cues influence bird reproductive timing.
A study published in New Phytologist reveals the evolutionary history of oaks, showing that different lineages are driven by distinct sets of genes. The research highlights the key role oaks play in supporting ecosystems and provides insights into conservation efforts.
A study reveals that fungal types and accumulation rates mediate tree-neighborhood interactions, driving species coexistence in subtropical forests. The findings suggest a key role for pathogenic fungi and mutualists in shaping diversity patterns.
Researchers documented the movement of a big brown bat colony's relocation in response to naturally occurring tree loss. The study suggests general patterns may exist across bat species and forest types for how bats respond to roost tree loss.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that actively managed mixed wood forests in New Hampshire have significant carbon stores, both above and below ground. The research found that the forests' soil carbon is higher in subplots with more trees, especially fir and spruce species.