Articles tagged with Trees
Researchers at the University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research used a hybrid approach to assign calendar dates to tree rings, potentially pinning down the Thera volcano eruption date. The study spans over 2,000 years and provides context for civilizations in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
A study employing two approaches has accurately dated a collection of wooden timbers from the East Mediterranean using radiocarbon measurements and tree-ring associations. This precise chronology can support archaeological records and provide valuable insights into climate fluctuations during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Research reveals a significant decline in aboveground carbon storage along Malaysian Borneo's forest edges, impacting the global carbon budget. The study found that buffer zones could mitigate edge-related declines in forest carbon stocks.
Shifts towards drought-tolerant traits in forests were associated with increased tree mortality, while photosynthetic and hydraulic trait diversity varied by region. Forest type also influenced the response to tree mortality.
Researchers found that increased CO2 levels reduced water loss and improved water use efficiency in trees during periods of drought and heat, but had no positive effect on carbon metabolism. The study suggests that the benefits of elevated CO2 are outweighed by the negative impacts of climate change.
A study led by University of Arizona researchers challenges the long-held view of the Plaza Tree of Pueblo Bonito as a living tree in an otherwise treeless landscape. Dendroprovenance analysis revealed that the tree did not grow where it was found, suggesting it may have come from distant mountain ranges.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have discovered a new species of shrew, the Sulawesi hairy-tailed shrew, which has thick hair on its tail and climbs trees. The discovery highlights the significant diversity of mammals in Indonesian islands, with many habitats remaining unexplored.
Researchers found that smaller tropical forest fragments experienced greater losses than larger ones between 2001 and 2018. Connecting small fragments to reestablish wide-ranging tree cover is crucial in Central America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Researchers found that warming temperatures and wetter weather are causing woody plants to spread across tundra and savanna landscapes, transforming unique biodiversity and affecting climate systems.
A graduate student at the University of Illinois has discovered a new treehopper species named after Lady Gaga, showcasing the diversity of this bug group. The newly identified species, Kaikaia gaga, features unusual characteristics, including horned thoraxes and leg hairs, which differentiate it from other treehoppers.
A new study finds that hurricanes Irma and Maria combined to knock down a quarter of Puerto Rico's tree biomass, with rain dominating the damage caused by wind. The research suggests that future hurricanes stoked by warming climates may be even more destructive to forests than previously thought.
Researchers from diverse fields collaborate to understand plant-environment interactions, bridging paleoecology, physiology, ecology, genetics, and more. Key findings reveal how plants leverage their genomes to adapt to abiotic stressors and interact with microbes.
Severe damage to male maple trees caused them to flower as females two years later, suggesting a threshold for sex-determining cues. This research supports the idea that changes in sugar concentration in female trees might be a consequence of injury and physical damage.
Tasmania's ancient King Billy pine trees are at risk due to increasing wildfires and dry conditions. The study found that fire refugia are breaching, making it unlikely for the species to recover.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified eastern hemlock and eastern white pine as structurally sound for cross-laminated timber (CLT) use. The study finds that these trees can create jobs and support better forestry management, addressing climate change.
Researchers found that previous tree thinning and prescribed burns helped forests survive the devastating Carlton Complex fire. The study suggests that reducing built-up fuels such as small trees and shrubs pays off, even in extreme wildfires.
Researchers examined spatial patterns of seeds and surviving seedlings to understand mechanisms creating these patterns and potential for plant species coexistence. The study suggests that host-specific natural enemies may inhibit seedling survival near parent trees, leading to regular spacing of plants.
A recent study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that forest arthropods thrive in areas closer to river courses, with social wasps being the most affected by distance. Traditional forest management practices are essential for preserving biodiversity, including the richness of understories and chestnut tree dominance.
A team of engineers at Johns Hopkins University has developed a snake robot that can nimbly climb large steps using movement inspiration from snakes. The robot's suspension system allows it to maintain stability and climb up to 38% of its body length with a high success rate.
The study found that human disturbance increased the proportion of trees with seeds dispersed by animals, leading to a shift towards small-seeded species. These changes could have long-term implications for carbon storage and drought sensitivity in tropical forests.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.